Comeback or smooth sailing for Hajduk? Prediction for Žilina vs Hajduk Split
The first qualifying round clash of the 2026/27 Europa League between Žilina and Hajduk will take place this Thursday at the Pod Dubňom Stadium in Žilina. After a 0-2 defeat in Croatia, the Slovak side needs to overturn a two-goal deficit, while the visitors can focus on a solid defensive setup and look for opportunities on the counterattack.
Žilina: hosts forced to take risks from the start
The seven-time champions of Slovakia finished last season only in fourth place, trailing Slovan Bratislava by 16 points. Pavol Stano’s men booked their Europa League qualifying ticket by winning the Slovak Cup - just the second such triumph in the club’s history.
Žilina’s current form is a concern heading into the return leg: they haven’t won any of their last five matches and have lost twice. Their main attacking hope remains Michal Faško, who was the club’s top scorer last season with 14 goals, but now the Slovaks not only need to create chances, but also avoid leaving themselves wide open at the back.
Hajduk Split: two-goal cushion allows for a calculated approach
In the first leg, Hajduk played with discipline and deservedly won 2-0. Roko Brajković opened the scoring midway through the first half, and after the break, new signing Dali doubled the Croatian side’s advantage.
The Split club finished last season’s Croatian championship in second place, claiming 20 victories and scoring 61 goals, though they trailed Dinamo Zagreb by 18 points. Gonzalo Garcia’s squad won all three of their summer friendlies without conceding, but a run of four official away matches without a win means the visitors can’t take anything for granted just yet.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The first leg ended in a 2-0 victory for Hajduk.
- Žilina are winless in their last five matches.
- Hajduk have won all three preseason friendlies and kept clean sheets in each.
Will the Croatians hold onto their comfortable lead? Prediction for Žilina vs Hajduk Split
Žilina can't afford to play it safe: the hosts need an early goal, so expect them to push the flanks and flood the opposition box from the very first minutes. This high-risk approach could help the Slovaks apply pressure, but it will also leave gaps behind their defenders.
Hajduk are well organized without the ball and have already shown they can manage the tempo of the tie. The Croatians don't need to win in Slovakia - they can patiently await mistakes from their opponents and secure a place in the next round without having to push all-out in attack.
