How to Read League Standings: Points, Goal Difference and Tie-Break

The standings table looks simple, but each column has an important meaning.

Main Column

• M: number of matches played.
• M-S-K: Win-Draw-Lose.
• SG: goal difference (goals scored minus conceded).
• Points: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw.

Tie-Break

If points are equal, many leagues use goal difference, then number of goals, then head-to-head to determine rankings. The exact rules differ for each competition.