Prediction: Hajduk Split vs Zilina

Hajduk Split begin their 2026-27 Europa League qualifying campaign on Thursday night when they welcome Zilina to Stadion Poljud for the first leg of their first-round tie.

The two clubs meet for the first time since 2009, when the Slovak side edged through 2-1 on aggregate in Europa League qualifying.

Hajduk Split

Hajduk Split enter the new European campaign determined to re-establish themselves on the continental stage after a lengthy absence from major UEFA competition. Once Champions League quarter-finalists during the 1994-95 season, the Croatian club have not appeared in a European league phase since their Europa League group-stage participation in 2010-11.

Recent years have brought frustration, with The Whites falling in the third qualifying round of the Conference League in each of the last three seasons. Domestically, they were unable to challenge Dinamo Zagreb for the Croatian title last term, finishing second and ending the campaign 18 points adrift of the champions.

However, Gonzalo Garcia’s side have enjoyed a highly encouraging pre-season. Hajduk have won all three of their friendly matches without conceding a goal, beginning with an emphatic 4-0 victory over North Macedonian champions Skendija before recording successive 1-0 victories against LNZ and Celje.

Those results have helped build confidence ahead of their European opener, particularly given their solid home record in 2026. The atmosphere at Poljud will be expected to play a significant role as the Croatians attempt to seize control of the tie before travelling to Slovakia next week.

Team News

Hajduk will be without Abdoulie Sanyang, who remains suspended following a red card in the club’s previous European campaign. However, several new arrivals are available, including Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, Mathieu Acapandie, Alberto del Moral and Dalisson, all of whom could make competitive debuts.

In attack, Michele Sego is expected to lead the line after finishing last season as the club’s top scorer with 13 goals. He should be supported by Roko Brajkovic and veteran forward Marko Livaja.

Zilina arrive in Croatia aiming to take a significant step towards what would be a historic Europa League qualification. Although the Slovak side have previously competed in UEFA competitions, they have never successfully reached the Europa League itself.

The Yellow-Greens are seven-time Slovak champions, but they finished fourth in the domestic league last season. Their route into this competition came through cup success, with Zilina lifting the Slovak Cup for only the second time in their history.

Preparations for the new season have not been ideal. Pavol Stano’s side head into the first leg without a pre-season victory, losing to Dynamo Kyiv and drawing three successive matches. Most recently, they were held to a 2-2 draw by Czech outfit FK Pardubice.

Team News

Despite those results, Zilina possess a forward line capable of causing problems. Michal Fasko, Marko Roginic and Samuel Datko combined for 37 goals last season and are expected to spearhead the attack within Stano’s preferred 3-4-3 system.

There is also a selection decision to be made in goal, where summer signing David Sipos is competing with Jakub Badzgon for the starting role.

While Zilina’s recent European history has been limited, they will draw confidence from their previous success against Hajduk and hope to keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg on home soil.

Key Factors to Consider

• Hajduk have won all three of their pre-season matches without conceding a goal.
• Zilina enter the tie without a victory in four pre-season fixtures.
• Home advantage at Poljud could prove crucial for the Croatian side.
• Hajduk have added several new signings who could strengthen the squad immediately.
• Zilina’s attacking trio of Fasko, Roginic and Datko provided 37 goals last season.
• The Slovak club’s recent away form has been less convincing than Hajduk’s home record.

Conclusion

Zilina should not be underestimated, particularly given their previous success against Hajduk in European qualifying, but the hosts appear to hold the advantage heading into the first leg.

Hajduk’s strong pre-season form, defensive solidity and home support suggest they are better equipped to make a positive start to the tie. While the visitors possess enough attacking quality to remain competitive, the Croatian side should have the edge.

Expect Hajduk Split to take a narrow but valuable first-leg lead into next week’s return fixture in Slovakia.

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