For La Liga match broadcasts, Microsoft has introduced a new statistic called “Goal Probability.” The stat can be calculated in 30 seconds and is displayed as an on-screen graphic during goal replays.
Goal Probability calculates the likelihood of a successful shot attempt by taking into account factors such as the distance between the ball and the goal, a player’s line of sight while shooting, and their distance to defenders—as well as the shooter’s individual goal scoring history.
Data is captured by 16 optical tracking cameras in each La Liga team’s stadium. Microsoft Azure analyzes the data alongside historical data from 2,000 previous La Liga matches to generate Goal Probability on a zero to 100% scale.
La Liga expanded its technology partnership with Microsoft in May, and the organizations plan to release up to 21 more new metrics this year. Goal Probability is similar to the Expected Goals statistic that Amazon Web Services introduced for Germany’s Bundesliga soccer league in 2020.
