Analysis of the goals scored in the 2016 and 2017 CONMEBOL Libertadores Cups

This study aimed to describe regularities in soccer goal-ending sequences in the 2016 and 2017 CONMEBOL Libertadores Cups. Observational methodology was used. The sample comprised 699 attack sequences that ended in goal from 250 games played in 2016 and 2017. An ad hoc observational instrument was designed. Data analysis was performed in three complementary ways: sequential, graph theory, and polar coordinates. Two sequences were highlighted: Pass with the head-Shot-Goal and Rebound-Rebound-Shot-Goal. The foot pass action is the most common prior to a shot. In addition, dribbling and conducting were excitatory and inhibitory actions, respectively, to score a goal. In conclusion, the use of open game was relevant to score goals and different patterns were observed.

Keywords:
Soccer; Sequential analysis; Notational analysis; Tactic

Criteria	Categories
Result	Ties (TIES); Winning by difference of 1 (WIN1); Winning by difference of 2 or more (WIN2); Losing by difference of 1 (LOS1); Loosing by difference of 2 or more (LOS2).
Staring actions	Throwing in (THRO); Foul kick (FKIC); Corner kick (CKIC); Recovery (RECV); Continuity (CNTN); Penalty (PNTY).
Field zone	Field zones where the analyzed actions are carried out: Goal (GOL), left corner (ZCA), left goal area (ZCB), right goal area (ZCC), right corner (ZCD), left third offensive quarter (ZCE), left penalty area (ZCF), right penalty area (ZCG), right third offensive quarter (ZCH), second offensive quarter from left to right (ZCI, ZCJ, ZCK, ZCL), first offensive quarter from left to right (ZCM, ZCN, ZCO, ZCP), last defensive quarter (ZCQ, ZCR, ZCS, ZCT), first, second and third defensive quarter (ZCU), and penalty point (PENAL).
Progress and ending actions	Pass with the foot (PASS); Pass with head and other parts of the body (PWH); Conducting (COND); Dribbling (DRB); Rebound (RBD); Shot with the foot (SHF); Shot with head and other parts of the body (SHH); Goal (GOL).
Sequential	Continuity (.) and Ending (/) of the sequence.

Type of sequences origin	Absolute frequency	Relative frequency
Penalty	56	8.0%
Continuity	457	65.3%
Recovery	21	3.0%
Throwing in	18	2.6%
Corner kick	55	7.9%
Foul kick	92	13.2%
Total	699	100.0%

Lag-4		Lag-3		Lag-2		Lag-1		Lag-0
PWH	2.2*	SHF	5.7*	RBD	6.1*	SHF	37.1*
		SHH	2.8*			SHH	14.8*
		RBD	2.0*			PASS	-19.6^†	GOL
						PWH	-3.2^†
		COND	-3.8^†	COND	-3.2†	COND	-12.3^†
				SHF	-4.2^†	DRB	-7.2^†
						RBD	-5.5^†

Colégio Brasileiro de Ciências do Esporte Universidade de Brasilia - Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Faculdade de Educação Física, Asa Norte - CEP 70910-970 - Brasilia, DF - Brasil, Telefone: +55 (61) 3107-2542 - Brasília - DF - Brazil
E-mail: rbceonline@gmail.com

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[1] *Corresponding author: Andrés González-Ramírez E-mail: andres.gonz.ramirez@gmail.com