Hajduk Split readies for Europa League tie with Žilina amid ticket allocation dispute

Hajduk Split will host MŠK Žilina in the first leg of their Europa League qualification on 9 July at Poljud, with the return match scheduled for 16 July in Slovakia. Slovak authorities have offered 1,460 tickets to Hajduk fans – about three times the 5 percent of stadium capacity required by UEFA – prompting criticism that the allocation exceeds regulations.

Ahead of the fixture, Hajduk captain Marko Livaja signed a disciplinary code and was expected to train with the first‑team squad, but he missed the morning session. Reports noted the club’s focus on settling internal issues between the captain and coach before the match. A betting preview predicts a Hajduk win, citing their unbeaten preseason with three clean‑sheet friendlies, while Žilina enter the tie winless in summer fixtures.

The club’s preparations also feature a reshaped attacking line‑up, with recent signings such as Alec Van Hoorenbeeck and Michele Šego expected to lead the offense against Žilina.