Overview

• The study analyzed 179 La Liga matches from the 2019-2020 season, focusing on 2,238 shots at goalkeepers and 16 key variables.
• Findings show that approximately 75% of goals result from first touch shots, emphasizing their unpredictability and the limited reaction time for goalkeepers.
• Researchers advocate for training programs tailored to first touch and deflected shot scenarios, which present unique challenges for goalkeepers.
• Data suggests that top-performing teams rely on multi-touch build-ups rather than set pieces or crosses, providing tactical insights for opposition analysis.
• The study calls for expanded research in different leagues and conditions, including weather impact, to validate and generalize findings.