Goalkeepers in the Spotlight as Ludwigsburg Faces Brest in EHF Champions League

As the EHF Champions League Women prepares for its Match of the Week on October 6, 2024, between HB Ludwigsburg and Brest Bretagne Handball, the emphasis will be on the goalkeepers, a position with significant influence in handball matches. Data analyst Julian Rux has provided insights into the importance of goalkeeping performances in the sport.

Last season’s statistics underscore the critical role of goalkeepers, with teams boasting higher save percentages overwhelmingly avoiding defeat. According to Rux, “No other position can influence the game as much.” Indeed, teams with superior net save percentages either won or drew 81.8 percent of matches.

Brest Bretagne’s goalkeepers showed varying performances last season. Julie Foggea faced difficulties, ranking ninth in general save percentage yet 14th in net save percentage due to the opposition retaining possession after 17.9 percent of her saves. Katharina Filter had more consistent results, maintaining high rankings in both categories. However, this season shows promise, as newcomer Floriane André, from Neptunes de Nantes, is ranked second in both save and net save percentages among eligible goalkeepers.

Ludwigsburg, competing as SG BBM Bietigheim last season, contrasts Brest’s strategy by employing a clear primary goalkeeper. Previously, Gabriela Moreschi handled an unprecedented 82.3 percent of shots on goal. The strategy paid off until a decisive defeat in the final, where reliance on Moreschi without alternatives was exposed.

This season, Ludwigsburg has seen a change in its goalkeeping department with Johanna Bundsen taking over the primary position. Bundsen’s performance echoes her time at IK Sävehof, where she similarly shouldered a large portion of matches, indicating her capability and the trust placed in her by the coaching staff.

The upcoming match promises a showcase of titanic goalkeeping talent, potentially deciding the match between two formidable sides in the league.