Hajduk Split beats Žilina 2-0 in European League opener
On 9 July 2026, Hajduk Split opened its UEFA European League campaign at the Poljud stadium, defeating Slovak side MŠK Žilina 2‑0. Roko Brajković gave the hosts the lead in the 22nd minute, and newcomer Dalisson de Almeida doubled the advantage six minutes after the break. Captain Marko Livaja started on the bench; Dario Melnjak took the captain’s armband for the match. Coach Gonzalo García praised the team’s intensity and warned that the advantage must be defended in the return leg in Slovakia on 16 July.
The win was celebrated by a crowd of over 22 000 spectators, with mixed reactions on social media – some fans lauded the energetic performance, while others critiqued individual players. Žilina’s coach Pavol Staňo described the result as disappointing and stressed the need for a stronger showing at home. The second‑leg fixture will determine which side progresses to the next round of the competition.