Hajduk Split Crush Žilina 2-0 in Europa League Qualifier

Hajduk Split Take Commanding First Leg Lead

HNK Hajduk Split seized control of their UEFA Europa League 1st Qualifying Round tie with a 2-0 first leg victory over Žilina at Stadion Poljud, as Roko Brajkovic and Dalisson de Almeida struck either side of half-time to send the Croatian fans into raptures.

Brajkovic Breaks the Deadlock

The home side’s pressure told in the 22nd minute when Brajkovic – fed by Mathieu Acapandié’s incisive pass – slotted past Jakub Badžgoň to ignite the white-hot atmosphere. Hajduk’s relentless pressing left Žilina chasing shadows, their three-at-the-back formation buckling under waves of attacks down both flanks.

De Almeida Doubles the Lead

Any hopes of a Žilina resurgence were extinguished four minutes after the restart when Brajkovic turned provider, teeing up Brazilian winger de Almeida for a clinical finish that left Badžgoň rooted. The visitors’ triple substitution on 63 minutes smacked of desperation as coach Pavol Stano threw on fresh legs, but Hajduk’s defensive unit – marshalled by the imperious Dario Marešić – stood firm.

Žilina’s Frustration Boils Over

Žilina’s mounting frustration manifested in a flurry of yellow cards, with Šimon Datko booked in stoppage time after a reckless challenge. Hajduk’s Michele Šego and Šimun Hrgović also saw yellow in a physical second half, but Gonzalo Garcia’s men never looked like surrendering their advantage.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Hajduk, this dominant display sets them up perfectly for the return leg in Slovakia next week, where another clean sheet would see them progress comfortably. Žilina must now produce something extraordinary at Štadión pod Dubňom – their European dreams hanging by a thread after being outclassed in Croatia. The Poljud roared its approval at full-time, but this tie isn’t over yet.

Key Moments

22′ ⚽ HNK Hajduk Split — R. Brajkovic (assist: M. Acapandie)

49′ ⚽ HNK Hajduk Split — D. de Almeida (assist: R. Brajkovic)

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.