GlossaryFootball / soccer
Aggregate score (two legs)
In a two-legged knockout tie, the aggregate score adds both matches together, and the team with the higher combined total goes through.
European knockouts and many domestic cups are played over two legs, home and away. The winner is decided on the aggregate — the sum of both scores. If a team wins 2–1 at home and loses 1–0 away, the aggregate is 2–2, and the tie goes to extra time or penalties (away goals no longer separate level ties in most competitions).
Worked example: First leg 3–1, second leg 0–1 → aggregate 3–2, the first team advances.
See it in the numbers
Open the spreadsheet and watch this appear in live scores and standings — disguised as work.
Related terms
What is xG (expected goals)?
Expected goals (xG) rates the quality of each scoring chance from 0 to 1 — the probability an average player would score it — and a team's xG is the sum of those chances.
What is goal difference (GD)?
Goal difference is goals scored minus goals conceded, and it's the most common tie-breaker when teams are level on points — a bigger goal difference ranks higher.
What is a clean sheet?
A clean sheet is when a team concedes no goals in a match — a common measure of defensive and goalkeeping quality.
What is an assist?
An assist is credited to the player who makes the final pass or touch before a team-mate scores a goal.