Hajduk Split opened their UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Cypriot side Pafos FC at Stadion Poljud on 24 July 2026. The Croatian giants, backed by their passionate home support, controlled the tempo from the first whistle and secured a first-leg advantage that puts them firmly in the driving seat heading into the return fixture.

Match Overview

With kick‑off under the lights in Split, Hajduk wasted no time imposing themselves. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso set his side up in an aggressive 4‑3‑3, pressing high and forcing Pafos into early mistakes. The visitors, making their first appearance in a European qualifying round, looked nervous and were pinned back in their own half for prolonged spells.

Hajduk’s breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. Winger Marko Livaja curled a free‑kick from the left flank into the box, and central defender Filip Uremović rose highest to power a header past the stranded Pafos goalkeeper. The goal sent the Poljud crowd into a frenzy and settled any early nerves in the home camp.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Pafos tried to push forward but lacked the final‑third cohesion to trouble Ivan Lučić in the Hajduk goal. Hajduk doubled their lead in the 67th minute when a swift counter‑attack ended with substitute Lovre Klinar sliding home from close range after a deflected cross fell kindly in the six‑yard box. The result was a clean sheet and a two‑goal cushion for the Croatian side.

Key Moments

• 23’ – Opener: Filip Uremović’s bullet header from Livaja’s free‑kick.
• 67’ – Second goal: Lovre Klinar’s poacher’s finish after chaotic defending.
• 79’ – Missed chance: Pafos substitute Jajá hit the crossbar with a looping header, their best opportunity of the night.

Tactical Story

Hajduk’s pressing game was the defining feature. The front three of Livaja, Bruno Petković, and Rokas Pukštas constantly forced giveaways from Pafos’s back line. In midfield, Gattuso’s men dominated the second balls, with captain Jani Atanasov controlling the tempo. Pafos tried to build through central midfielder Marios Ilia but were repeatedly swarmed. Their only threat came from set pieces, but Hajduk’s aerial strength, led by Uremović and Tomislav Mrčela, proved impenetrable.

Standout Players

• Filip Uremović (Hajduk): Immense at both ends – a dominant presence in the air, scoring the opener and clearing every dangerous cross.
• Marko Livaja (Hajduk): His delivery from dead‑balls was a constant menace, and his link‑up play kept Pafos on the back foot.
• Ivan Lučić (Hajduk): Barely tested, but his command of the area and quick distribution helped start attacks from the back.

Season and Round Impact

This first‑leg win gives Hajduk Split a significant advantage in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round. With the return match scheduled for the following week at Pafos’s home ground, the Croatian side can afford to play with patience and look to exploit any gaps left by a desperate Cypriot team. For Pafos FC, the road to the group stage now requires a near‑miracle – scoring at least two goals away from home while keeping a clean sheet. The tie is far from over, but the momentum is squarely with Hajduk.