We have seen six days of Leagues Cup action so far, which means that only one match remains to be played for each participating team (some have already played the two they were due to play). This July 29, 30 and 31, we will see the outcome of the group stage and the question has arisen; what are the tie-breaking criteria in the event that a pair of teams are equal in their group? Find out everything you need to know here.
Firstly, let’s remind ourselves that teams compete in a round-robin format. This means that each club plays one match against all the teams in their group. At the end of this phase, the two teams with the most points in each group advance to the next phase. However, there may be situations where two or more teams finish with the same number of points, where the tie-breaker criteria should apply.
First tie-breaking criterion:
Head-to-head result between the tied Clubs: If the teams are still tied on points, the team that has earned more points against the other tied team(s) will advance.
Second tie-breaking criterion:
Goal difference: If two or more teams have the same number of points at the end of the group stage and have also drawn their direct encounter, the tie-breaker will be the goal difference. This is the number of goals scored by a team minus the number of goals it has conceded. The team with the highest goal difference will rank above its rivals in the table.
Third tie-breaking criterion:
Greater number of goals scored: If the goal difference is the same, the total number of goals scored in the group stage matches will be considered. The team that has scored more goals will advance to the next round.
Fourth tie-breaking criterion:
Fewest number of goals conceded: If the teams have scored the same number of goals in the group stage, the tie-breaker will be the number of goals conceded. The team that has conceded fewer goals will advance.
Fifth tie-breaking criterion:
Head-to-head goal difference: If the tied teams have the same number of points in direct encounters, the tie-breaker will be the goal difference in these matches.
Sixth tie-breaking criterion:
Fair play points: If all the previous tie-breakers do not resolve the tie, fair play points accumulated during the group stage will be considered. Fair play points are awarded for yellow and red cards.
First yellow card: 1 point Second yellow card (indirect red card): 3 points (The first yellow card will not be considered) Direct red card: 3 points Yellow card followed by a direct red card: 4 points.
The team with the fewest fair play points will advance.
Seventh tie-breaking criterion:
Drawing of lots: As a last resort, if all the previous tie-breakers cannot determine a winner, a drawing of lots will be conducted to determine which team advances.
