The phrase “at home, even the walls help” has been an axiom for football fans for decades. The team playing at home was considered the a priori favourite. But is this still the case in the 21st century, when the game has become faster and players are more professional? To understand current trends and follow results in real time, many fans use analytical resources, detailed statistics, along with online football streams.

Classic factors of advantage

Historically, home advantage was built on several pillars. These factors created a real obstacle course for the visiting team, which was difficult to overcome. The key factors have always been considered to be:

• The psychological pressure fans exert on the opponent and referee;
• The absence of a tedious travel and adaptation process;
• A familiar field: from its size to the quality of the pitch.

The support of the stands drove the home team forward and often influenced the referees’ decisions, who could subconsciously sympathize with the roaring stadium. This “twelfth man effect” often proved decisive.

The Effect of Empty Stadiums

The real moment of truth came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when matches were played in empty stands. Statistics collected in all major leagues proved inexorable: home-field advantage declined sharply. Home team win percentages fell, while away victories increased significantly. This proved that the fans were the main component of the “magic” of home stadiums. When the crowd noise disappeared, only a shadow of the advantage remained.

New Realities: Why is the advantage waning?

After fans returned to stadiums, the statistics did not fully return to their previous levels. Home-field advantage is weaker today than it was 15-20 years ago. This is due to several global changes in football.

Modern realities have negated many of the old factors:

• VAR (Video Assistant Referee System): Reduced the influence of referees’ subconscious bias in favor of the home team, making officiating more objective.
• Professionalism: Modern athletes cope better with pressure, and clubs provide the most comfortable conditions for away games (charters, top hotels).
• Globalization of tactics: Playing styles have become more universal, making it easier for teams to adapt to away matches.

Therefore, home-field advantage is no longer a guarantee of success.

Summing up

In conclusion, it can be said that home-field advantage has not disappeared completely, but it has transformed. From a powerful weapon, it has become more of a pleasant bonus. Fan support is still important, but technological and professional development in football has made the game fairer and less dependent on geography.