###### Abstract  
The aim of the study was to examine the association between cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters and match running performance (MRP) in highly trained football players. The sample of participants consisted of 41 national-level football players (aged 23.20 \(\pm\) 3.40 years, body height 182.00 \(\pm\) 5.15 cm, and body mass 76.86 \(\pm\) 6.06 kg) from the Serbian Super league. For the purposes of this research, the following measurements were applied. A maximal multistage progressive treadmill test, with a direct measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (VO\({}_{2}\)max) (using Fittmae MED, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) was conducted, alongside continuous heart rate monitoring. Capillary blood samples were taken from the hyperemic area using specific test strips, and, after sample collection, lactate concentration was immediately determined using a lactate analyzer. MRP variables were analyzed according to the BioIRC model of motion structure analysis, based on existing standards for profiling movement intensity. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated an association between cardiac parameters and total distance (R2 = 54.3%, \(p\) = 0.000), high-speed running (R2 = 46.4%, \(p\) = 0.000), and jogging (R2 = 33.6%, \(p\) = 0.004). Regression analysis revealed an association between cardiorespiratory parameters and total distance (R2 = 24.8%, \(p\) = 0.014), and high-speed running (R2 = 20%, \(p\) = 0.039). Meanwhile, no association was found between lactate concentration and running performance. The explanation for these regression analysis results is based on the observation that functional abilities represent significant potential for expressing movement performance, a crucial condition for success in football. physical performance; cardiovascular endurance; lactate concentration; maximal heart rate; professional soccer players; running performance analysis; VO\({}_{2}\)max +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sciences  
high-intensity movements, delay the onset of fatigue, and mitigate its impact on efficiency in the game [4; 5]. Measurements in football show that both the aerobic and anaerobic pathways of metabolism make significant contributions to match performance [6]. During a football game, the aerobic energy system provides approximately 90% of the energy. In this regard, elite football players must have high aerobic endurance fitness to play for 90 min and recover between high-intensity sprints [7]. One of the best measures of cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance capacity performance is the maximal aerobic power, denoted by VO2 max [8]. Generally speaking, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) represents the maximum work rate at which the body can absorb and use oxygen when engaging in maximal exercise. Given the demands of team sports, such as the ability to change direction during high-intensity running, the primary focus for players should be on endurance and metabolic conditioning [9]. Working muscle oxygen deficiency is thought to be a controlling factor in the metabolic alterations that lead to the depletion of muscle glycogen stores and the suppression of glycolytic enzyme activity. This is thought to be one of the main causes of the decline in efficiency and, consequently, the emergence of indicators of muscular tiredness [10]. The VO2 max of elite soccer players is typically between 50 and 75 mL/kg/min, but different values higher than 70 mL/kg/min have been identified [11]. During competitive matches, professional players typically operate at approximately 80-90% of their maximum heart rate, which corresponds to approximately 75-80% of the VO2 max [12]. Increasing VO2 max is believed to enhance players' tactical and technical performance by 7%. Additionally, this implies more efficient ball contacts and a greater number of longer sprints during a game, which increases the likelihood of scoring a goal [13]. It has been confirmed that leading football teams in the league have higher VO2 max values compared to weaker teams [14].