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Žilina’s Late Drama Stuns Frustrated Hajduk Split
Žilina left it agonisingly late to claim a 2-1 victory over Hajduk Split in their Europa League first qualifying round first leg, with Dario Melnjak’s 91st-minute own goal breaking Croatian hearts after the visitors had led for most of the match.
Hajduk Split’s First Half Control
The visitors thought they’d done enough when Alec Van Hoorenbeeck – already booked for a 30th-minute foul – headed them ahead on the stroke of halftime, capitalising on Šimun Hrgović’s pinpoint cross. The Croatian side’s physical approach earned them two first-half yellow cards, with Hrgović seeing the first for a brutal 20th-minute challenge.
Žilina’s Second Half Resurgence
Marko Roginić ignited Žilina’s comeback just six minutes after the break, smashing home František Kóša’s cutback to level. The Slovakians made all five substitutions chasing a winner – including withdrawing their assist provider Kóša – as they pressed relentlessly in the final quarter-hour.
The Gut-Wrenching Conclusion
Just as Hajduk Split seemed set to escape with a draw, defender Melnjak diverted a hopeful cross past his own goalkeeper in the first minute of added time, sending the home fans into raptures. Florea’s late booking for time-wasting couldn’t dampen Žilina’s joy as they take a slender advantage to Croatia.
What This Means
Žilina’s never-say-die spirit gives them the upper hand ahead of next week’s second leg, though Van Hoorenbeeck’s away goal leaves Hajduk Split still very much in this tie. The Croatian giants must now overturn this deficit in front of their famously passionate Poljud crowd.
Key Moments
45+2′ ⚽ HNK Hajduk Split — A. Van Hoorenbeeck (assist: S. Hrgovic)
51′ ⚽ Žilina — M. Roginic (assist: F. Kosa)
90+1′ ⚽ Žilina — D. Melnjak🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
