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The role of substitutions in the 2023 UEFA Champions League ⚽🏆

In this SQL case study, we explore the use of substitutes in the 2023 UEFA Champions League. Substitutions are crucial for changing the dynamics of a match, offering teams the chance to bring in new players, modify strategies, or affect the game's pace. By examining the substitution data, we seek to understand their impact and importance in the tournament.

Let's take a look at the dataset

1 hidden cell
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DataFrameas
df
variable
SELECT * FROM CLSubs;

When do teams generally make substitutions in Champions League matches? ⌛️

  • By examining the timing of substitutions, we can reveal patterns and trends about when teams decide to make changes.

  • This analysis helps us identify if there are favored times or strategic moments for introducing substitutes."

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DataFrameas
df1
variable
SELECT 
CASE
    WHEN timeMin < 10 THEN '00:00-09:59'
    WHEN timeMin < 20 THEN '10:00-19:59'
    WHEN timeMin < 30 THEN '20:00-29:59'
    WHEN timeMin < 40 THEN '30:00-39:59'
    WHEN timeMin < 50 THEN '40:00-49:59'
    WHEN timeMin < 60 THEN '50:00-59:59'
    WHEN timeMin < 70 THEN '60:00-69:59'
    WHEN timeMin < 80 THEN '70:00-79:59'
    WHEN timeMin < 90 THEN '80:00-89:59'
    ELSE '90:00-'
END AS TimeDistr,
COUNT(*) AS Cnt
FROM CLSubs
GROUP BY TimeDistr
ORDER BY TimeDistr;

What are the most commonly substituted positions in the UEFA Champions League? ⚽️

  • This question seeks to pinpoint the field positions that undergo substitutions most frequently.
  • Through examining the player's role at the time of substitution (such as forward, midfielder, or defender), we can adapt to which parts of the team necessitate more frequent alterations or tactical adaptations throughout a match.
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DataFrameas
df2
variable
SELECT position, COUNT(*) AS Cnt
FROM CLSubs
GROUP BY position
ORDER BY Cnt DESC;

"How frequently does each player typically leave the field during the tournament? 🔄

  • This query centers on tallying the number of substitutions for each player who is replaced during a tournament.
  • This examination offers insights into the substitution trends."
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DataFrameas
df3
variable
SELECT playerOffName, COUNT(*) AS Cnt
FROM CLSubs
GROUP BY playerOffName
ORDER BY Cnt DESC
LIMIT 5;

What are the typical motives for substitutions in the UEFA Champions League? 🔄

  • This inquiry delves into the diverse reasons prompting player substitutions.
  • By scrutinizing the subreason field, we can pinpoint common factors driving player substitutions, including injuries, tactical adjustments, fatigue, or match-specific strategies.
  • This examination offers insights into the motivations and factors influencing substitution choices throughout the tournament.
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DataFrameas
df4
variable
SELECT subReason, COUNT(*) AS Cnt
FROM CLSubs
GROUP BY subReason
ORDER BY Cnt DESC;

Conclusion 🏆

  • The Time of Substitution:🔄⏱️ The majority of substitutions in the UEFA Champions League occur during the second half of the matches, with the highest frequency observed between the 70th and 79th minutes. This indicates that managers often make tactical changes or introduce fresh legs to influence the outcome of the game during the crucial stages of the match.
  • The Position Frequently Substituted:⚽️🥅 Strikers and midfielders are the positions most frequently substituted in the tournament. This suggests that managers often look to reinforce their attacking options or introduce new creative forces to influence the flow of the game. Defenders and attacking midfielders also see significant substitution activity, highlighting the importance of tactical adjustments in different areas of the field.
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