Hajduk Split vs Pafos – First Leg & Schedule

Hajduk Split secured a 2‑0 win over Cypriot champions Pafos in the first leg of the Europa League second‑qualifying round at Poljud, giving the Croatians a solid cushion for the return fixture in Cyprus. Coach Gonzalo García’s tactics were lauded again, with former player Janko Janković highlighting the side’s energy, speed and the impact of its youthful core. Defender Simon Hrgović remains at risk of suspension after two yellow cards, while key forward Roko Brajković suffered an injury that will keep him out of the second leg.

UEFA rearranged the subsequent third‑qualifying round schedule because the Super Cup will be in Salzburg on 12 August; consequently Hajduk’s first leg against Red Bull Salzburg will be away on 6 August, with the second leg at Poljud a week later. Should Hajduk fail to overturn the tie in Cyprus, they will drop into the Conference League third‑qualifying round and face the winner of the Žalgiris–Dinamo Tbilisi clash.