Base de datos de la UEFA Women Champions League

Recent studies have focused on offensive behaviours in elite women's football, but the relationship between defensive actions and opposing offensive transitions remains underexplored. This study analysed how defensive pressure during dynamic transitions affects offensive patterns in the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2023/2024. Data from 13 matches involving 16 teams and 1,324 transitions were coded using the “Transfoot” observation tool, developed by two UEFA PRO coaches. The analysis, supported by high inter- and intra-observer reliability (kappa indices of 0.9 and 0.85), incorporated 13 technical-tactical and 4 contextual criteria. Key findings indicate that defensive pressure leads to more direct attacks by opponents, fewer passes, reduced player involvement, shorter possessions, and diminished offensive efficiency. Additionally, situational factors such as match result, status, and game period significantly influenced defensive behaviors. Multivariate analysis revealed that variables like match result, team location, defensive positioning, ball recovery type, attacking player involvement, and period time shaped defensive pressure strategies. The findings highlight the adaptability of teams in modifying defensive approaches based on the interplay of technical-tactical and contextual factors. These insights can inform training and tactical planning to optimize both defensive and offensive phases of play in elite women’s football.