The Spanish La Liga is going through a period marked by a significant drop in its collective score. After nine matchdays, the figures reveal that clubs have “sold their goals,” a direct consequence of notable departures among last season’s top scorers. This situation raises concerns about the future of the teams and their ability to regain their offensive efficiency.
An alarming decline in goals
In these first nine matchdays, La Liga has recorded 224 goals, which is 35 less than the 259 from the same point last season. This noticeable drop reflects a deficit in realism in front of the goal that affects several teams. Such a difference in the number of goals is a clear indicator of a lack of efficiency in the attack of many clubs.
The statistics of expected goals also illustrate this dynamic. Last season, eight teams had a coefficient higher than 1.40 in terms of expected goals; today, only four teams reach this figure. Real Betis is particularly affected, showing a drop in its efficiency despite its ability to create chances.
The notable absences of scorers
The departure of players such as Dovbyk, En-Nesyri, and Morata, who shone last season, has left a void. In the case of Ukrainian forward Dovbyk, who joined Roma, no one was as prolific as him in the last campaign. La Liga hopes that newcomers can compensate for these losses, but so far, the figures have not lived up to expectations.
Clubs like Sevilla FC and Real Betis have seen their ability to score diminish. For Sevilla, the absence of Youssef En-Nesyri has been particularly felt. Similarly, Atlético de Madrid, which has invested in forwards like Sorloth and Julián Álvarez, has not yet significantly increased its total goals, leaving fans wanting more. Even teams possessing a bold attacking game like Celta are struggling to score as much as usual.
An uncertain but promising future
The results in terms of shot attempts and key passes are also revealing. While up to ten teams achieved more than twelve shots per match last season, only five can boast of reaching this threshold this year. The comparison of key passes made shows a similar trend, with a reduction in the number of teams performing at high levels.
The question remains: Can La Liga improve its offensive efficiency over the coming weeks? While many teams are waiting to see the finished version of their new players, the shadow of the departures still looms large. The previous performances of Dovbyk, En-Nesyri, and Morata are benchmarks that every club hopes to quickly regain.
In summary, the challenge for La Liga is to patch the gaps left by these departures and regain an offensive dynamic worthy of its history. This quest is crucial for the spectacle and appeal of the Spanish championship.
Source : as.com