This study aimed to examine the independent effect of different match-related factors on match running performance (MRP) in elite soccer. Players` MRPs (n = 244) were collected during UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage matches in the 2020-21 season. All MRP data were collected by the semi-automatic optical system InStat Fitness (InStat Limited, Limerick, Republic of Ireland). Match-related factors included match outcome, team quality, match location, opponent quality and difference in team quality, while MRP included cumulative and relative measures of total distance (TD and R-TD), low-intensity running (LIR and R-LIR) (= 4 m/s), moderate-intensity running (MIR and R-MIR) (4-5.5 m/s) and high-intensity running (HIR and R-HIR) (= 5.5 m/s). Linear mixed models were used to examine the collective effect of match-related factors on MRPs when controlling for between-player, between-playing position and between-team variation. The main findings were that match outcome was associated with reduced HIR (d = -0.38, p = 0.04), match location was associated with increased TD, R-TD, LIR and R-LIR (d = 0.54-0.87, all p < 0.01), while team quality, opponent quality and difference in team quality were not associated with MRP. These results show that (i) winning UCL matches was not strongly influenced by players` physical performance, (ii) away UCL matches were characterized by a slower match pace and greater match volume, and (iii) players` physical performance was similar irrespective of playing either in or against high- or low-quality teams. The findings from this study may help soccer coaches to ensure optimal physical preparation of players in elite soccer.
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