Goal difference is a team's goals scored minus goals conceded across the season. It's the most widely used tie-breaker when teams finish level on points: the team with the better (higher) goal difference ranks above. If goal difference is also equal, goals scored is usually the next tie-breaker. It rewards both strong attack and solid defence, and famously decided some title races on the final day.
Key points
- Goals scored − goals conceded
- Primary tie-break for level points
- Goals scored often breaks further ties
- Rewards attack and defence