HNK Hajduk Split will play away at NK Vardarac in the first round of the Croatian Cup on September 9, as reported by Net.hr Sportski. This is the first confirmation of the round-of-16 matchup following the completion of all 16 preliminary ties.
Who is NK Vardarac and how did they reach this stage?
NK Vardarac earned their place in the first round with a 3-1 home victory over NK Ližnjan in the preliminary round. This win secured their clash against one of Croatia’s most storied clubs. Though not known for large budgets, Vardarac has shown strong competitiveness in regional competitions and arrives at this match with pride and a desire to cause an upset against Hajduk.
How is Hajduk entering the 2026/27 season?
Hajduk currently sits fourth in the HNL with 7 points from four matches (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) and recent form WWDL. Their goal difference stands at +4 after scoring 9 and conceding 5. The side is just two points behind league leaders Dinamo Zagreb, with their next fixture a home clash against NK Lokomotiva Zagreb on August 31. This form provides stability as they enter the Cup, where the aim is to extend the season as far as possible.
Where are the other first-round ties taking place and what are the other notable matchups?
Besides Hajduk, Dinamo Zagreb will travel to face NK Bedem in Ivankovo, while Rijeka will visit NK Vrbovec. Both opponents also advanced: Bedem drew 2-2 with Varteks before winning 5-3 on penalties, and Vrbovec defeated Daruvar 4-1. Other first-round ties include Hrvatski Dragovoljac versus Dinamo Predavac, Tomislav Donji Andrijevci versus Uljanik, and Neretva versus Otočac, confirming the competition’s broad geographic reach across Croatia.
What does this mean for Hajduk’s Cup journey?
This round offers Hajduk a chance to focus on multi-competition play without excessive strain, given the opponent’s lower-division status. However, history shows that complacency in such ties often leads to shocks. The manager must rotate the squad to preserve freshness for key HNL fixtures, yet still approach the game with focus, as mistakes in the Cup are unforgiving. Should Hajduk advance, they would face the winner of the Segesta–Slatina tie, which concluded with an astonishing 18-0 victory for Segesta in the preliminary round.
Choosing to prioritize the Cup at this stage of the season could be vital for the club’s long-term ambitions, especially in the pursuit of silverware that could further motivate the squad in their league push for top honors. With the current schedule and form, Hajduk possesses all the tools to progress in the Cup while preparing for crucial HNL encounters ahead.
