AWAY GOALS RULE Meaning and
Definition
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The "away goals rule" is a regulation often used in various sports, including soccer and hockey, to determine the winner of a knockout match or tie in a two-legged competition. It states that if the aggregate score (total goals) over the two legs is tied, the team that has scored more goals away from their home ground will be declared the winner. The away goals rule applies only after both legs have been completed and serves as a tiebreaker to determine the victor if the aggregate score is level.
In soccer, for instance, when two teams compete in a two-legged game, they play one match at each team's home stadium. This rule incentivizes teams to score goals on their opponent's field, as away goals carry more weight in the event of a draw. For example, if Team A defeats Team B 2-1 in the first leg, but loses the second leg 1-0, the away goals rule would declare Team B as the winner due to scoring on Team A's ground.
The away goals rule encourages teams to adopt a more attacking style of play away from home and can significantly impact tactics and strategies. This rule is often controversial as it can lead to matches being influenced heavily by the away goals statistic. Nonetheless, it adds an intriguing dynamic to two-legged competitions, providing an additional element of excitement and potentially unexpected outcomes.
