Raków Częstochowa and Hajduk Split played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff tie, leaving the two sides perfectly poised ahead of the return match in Split.

The Polish hosts started brightly at the Miejski Stadion Piłkarski, but Hajduk showed why they are considered one of Croatia’s most dangerous attacking teams, twice taking the lead in a back-and-forth contest that swung one way and then the other.

Match overview

Raków controlled much of the possession in the opening half-hour and created several promising openings. Their pressure finally told just before the interval, but Hajduk responded with a quick equalizer that changed the mood of the tie. The second half followed a similar pattern: Raków pushed forward, only for Hajduk’s counter-attacking threat to keep the home defense on edge.

The result leaves things finely balanced. Raków will be slightly disappointed not to have won on home soil, while Hajduk will feel pleased with their two away goals but know they must produce a disciplined defensive display in the second leg.

Key moments

• 29' — Raków strike first: Vladislavs Gutkovskis finished calmly after a clever through ball from Vladyslav Kocherhin, giving the Polish side a deserved breakthrough.
• 38' — Hajduk level quickly: Marko Livaja marked his return to the starting lineup with a composed finish inside the box, restoring parity before halftime.
• 64' — Hajduk take the lead: Filip Krovinović produced a moment of quality, curling a shot into the net after cutting inside from the left wing.
• 78' — Raków rescue the draw: A scrappy finish after a corner was turned in by substitute Marcin Cebula, sparking wild celebrations in the Raków end.

Tactical story

Raków preferred to build patiently through midfield and stretch Hajduk with wing play. Their full-backs pushed high, and Kocherhin controlled the tempo from central areas. However, the Polish side’s ambition left spaces in behind, and Hajduk were quick to exploit them with sharp, direct runs from Livaja and Ivan Perišić.

Hajduk’s equalizer just nine minutes after falling behind was crucial. It settled the visitors and gave them a platform to play with greater confidence in the second period. Although they were unable to hold onto the lead, two away goals give them a genuine edge going into the second leg.

What it means

The 2-2 draw keeps the tie wide open. Hajduk Split will now host the second leg on friendly territory, supported by a passionate crowd at Poljud, where they are traditionally much stronger. Raków knows they must score in Croatia to advance, but the draw also means a scoring draw in Split would send them through.

For neutrals, this tie promises to be just as exciting in the return leg. Both teams attack willingly and are vulnerable at the back, so another open, eventful match looks likely.