HNK Hajduk Split has secured qualification for the league phase of the UEFA Europa Conference League. A victory over Raków Częstochowa on Thursday ended a 16-year wait for the club to participate in the group stage of any European competition.
This news was first reported by Net.hr Sportski. The achievement triggered emotional celebrations in the locker room, at the press conference, and at a fan reception in Split. For Hajduk, this marks the first time they will compete in a European league phase since the 2008/2009 season.
How Hajduk achieved qualification
The Split-based club secured a vital win in the qualifying rounds. The match against Poland's Raków Częstochowa was decisive for entry into the Conference League league phase. This stage of the competition has replaced traditional groups and allows for more matches against varied opponents. Hajduk completed their task in the direct showdown.
What qualification means for the club
This is a major step for Hajduk after a long absence from the European scene. Participation in the league phase brings guaranteed financial revenue and greater visibility for the club. Such experience is also invaluable for player development as they face new challenges. The current situation in the HNL, where Hajduk sits in 4th place with 7 points from 4 games, shows the season can turn in a positive direction. The club has scored 9 goals and conceded 5, trailing leaders Dinamo Zagreb by just 2 points in the title race. You can follow all upcoming matches on our fixtures page.
The current season context and next steps
The return to Europe comes at a key moment in the domestic season. Hajduk returns from the euphoria of European success straight into the HNL fight. As soon as Saturday, August 31, 2026, they face an important home match against NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. Lokomotiva is currently sixth in the table, promising a challenging duel. This qualification provides fresh momentum for the entire project. The squad has a chance to continue their good form and close the gap at the top. For a detailed look at the players who will be key in these clashes, visit our squad page.
How qualification impacts the future
Success in the qualifiers opens new doors for Hajduk. Regular European revenue can help strengthen the squad and achieve long-term goals. The club now has the opportunity to build on this foundation and set a standard for future seasons. The current position in the HNL, which you can follow on the standings page, shows the title race is open. A win against Lokomotiva could see Hajduk move even closer to the leaders and combine domestic success with their European campaign.
