Hajduk Split advance with comfortable win over Žilina

Hajduk Split made a strong start at the Poljud, with the home crowd creating an electric atmosphere in this opening Europa League qualifier. The Croatian side controlled possession early on and pressed high, forcing Žilina into a defensive shell from the opening whistle. There was a real intensity to proceedings, with both teams competing hard in midfield, though the visitors from Slovakia struggled to gain any real foothold in the contest.

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when R. Brajković found the back of the net, giving Hajduk Split the lead they had been threatening. The goal settled the home side and allowed them to play with greater confidence. Žilina responded briefly but never posed a serious threat to the Hajduk defence, which remained solid throughout the first half.

The second goal arrived early in the second half when Dali doubled Hajduk Split's advantage in the 49th minute, effectively sealing the tie. That second strike took the sting out of any potential Žilina comeback and allowed the home side to control the remainder of the match. The visitors pushed for a goal at times but lacked the quality and cutting edge to trouble Hajduk's goalkeeper. The Croatian club managed the game superbly after going 2-0 up, seeing out the contest with minimal fuss.

Hajduk Split's 2-0 victory sets them up nicely for the next round of the competition. The home advantage proved decisive on the night, and they now carry momentum into their next fixture. Žilina will need to regroup and focus on their remaining domestic commitments after this disappointing European exit.