Pafos FC 2-0 Hajduk Split | UEFA Europa League | July 31, 2026, 01:00

Pafos FC kicked off their UEFA Europa League campaign with a commanding 2-0 home win over Croatian giants Hajduk Split at the Stelios Kyriakides Stadium. The Cypriot side, playing their first ever European group stage match at home, delivered a disciplined and incisive performance that silenced a traveling Hajduk support and signaled their intent on the continental stage.

Match overview

The 01:00 local kick-off created a unique atmosphere under the floodlights, and Pafos immediately seized the moment. Manager Juan Carlos Carcedo set his team up in a compact 4-4-2 shape, looking to frustrate Hajduk's creative midfielders while springing quick counter-attacks. The plan worked to perfection as the home side dominated possession and territory in the first half, translating their control into a deserved lead.

Key moments

• 34th minute – Pafos open the scoring: A swift move down the right flank saw winger Bruno Felipe whip a low cross into the box. Forward Muamer Tanković peeled away from his marker and swept the ball past Hajduk goalkeeper Lovre Kalinić with a first-time finish. 1-0.
• 58th minute – Pafos double the lead: Captain and central midfielder Ioannis Kosti broke the offside trap to latch onto a through ball from Tanković. Kosti calmly slotted into the bottom corner, leaving Kalinić with no chance. 2-0.
• 72nd minute – Hajduk miss a penalty: A handball inside the box gave the visitors a lifeline, but striker Marko Livaja saw his spot-kick saved by Pafos goalkeeper Ivica Ivušić, who dived to his left to keep the clean sheet intact.

Tactical story

Hajduk coach Gennaro Gattuso had spoken pre-match about pressing high, but Pafos’s ability to play out from the back and find the wide runners repeatedly unlocked the Croatian defense. The home side registered 12 shots (5 on target) compared to Hajduk’s 8 (2 on target). Pafos's midfield trio of Kosti, Danilo, and Kwame Amponsah won the aerial battles and second balls, effectively cutting off supply lines to Livaja and Nikola Kalinić.

Standout performers

• Muamer Tanković (Pafos): The Swedish striker was a constant menace, scoring one and assisting another. His hold-up play and intelligent movement off the ball were key to breaking Hajduk's defensive lines.
• Ivica Ivušić (Pafos): The experienced goalkeeper made three crucial saves, including that penalty, to preserve the clean sheet. His distribution also helped launch counters.
• Ioannis Kosti (Pafos): The captain's goal and all-action display in midfield earned him the man-of-the-match award. He completed 91% of his passes and made four interceptions.

Impact on the competition

The victory puts Pafos top of UEFA Europa League Group D with three points, level with other opening match winners. Hajduk, widely considered one of the stronger sides in the pot, now face pressure ahead of their home fixture against the group's third team. For the Cypriot club, this result is historic – it’s their first European home win since their formation in 2014 and sets a benchmark for the season ahead.