Hajduk and Raków battle to stalemate in Conference League playoff

HNK Hajduk Split went into the Conference League playoff round against Raków Częstochowa looking to seize home advantage, and they made a strong early statement by taking the lead through M. Šego in the 21st minute. The hosts had set the tone and appeared to be controlling the tie. That grip loosened five minutes later when M. Emreli levelled for the away side, dragging Raków back into contention just as Hajduk seemed ready to pull clear.

The momentum swung further after half-time. Dali restored Hajduk's advantage with a goal in the 48th minute, putting the home side 2-1 up and apparently moving them closer to a decisive advantage. Yet Raków refused to fold. They pressed forward in search of another equaliser, and the away side's persistence eventually found reward as the match settled into a tense contest where both teams had chances but neither could find the decisive third goal. The final whistle came with the scoreboard reading HNK Hajduk Split 2-2 Raków Częstochowa.

The shape of the match changed dramatically in the 55th minute when A. Pajaziti was sent off for Hajduk, reducing the hosts to ten men. Playing with a numerical disadvantage, the home side was forced to shift their approach and become more defensive. Raków sensed the opportunity and pushed harder, though Hajduk's defence held firm despite the added pressure of trying to manage the game a man short.

Discipline proved costly for both sides across the 90 minutes. E. Otieno received a yellow card for Raków in the 31st minute, while Š. Hrgović was cautioned for Hajduk four minutes later. A. del Moral picked up a second-half yellow for the away team in the 62nd minute. The accumulation of cards reflected a competitive but sometimes niggly affair, with neither side willing to cede ground cheaply. Hajduk's red card left them fighting an uphill battle in the closing stages, yet they managed to hold on and prevent Raków from stealing a victory.

The draw leaves both clubs with work to do in the return leg. Hajduk have the slight comfort of having scored away from home, while Raków showed they can compete on the road and will travel back confident of their ability to go through. The playoff remains delicately balanced at HNK Hajduk Split 2-2 Raków Częstochowa, setting up a decisive second encounter.