HNK Hajduk Split faces a historic opportunity to reach the European group stage in the return leg against Rakow Czestochowa. According to an analysis by Index.hr, Ivan Garcia's team travels to Poland with a clear tactical plan and confidence after a 0:0 draw in Split. The match is part of the UEFA Europa League play-off round.
The Polish Rakow's tactical setup with three centre-backs suits Hajduk's 4-2-3-1 system more than the formations the club usually faces in the Croatian HNL. In the first leg, Hajduk's front four successfully disrupted the opponent's build-up, forcing quicker decisions and possession losses. Garcia implemented a zonal press with clear player-for-player triggers, which worked well until the red card. This approach allowed Hajduk to control the game and keep the ball in the opponent's half.
Against teams with two centre-backs, like Osijek, Hajduk often struggles as the striker is left isolated and the number ten remains passive. This leaves large spaces for the opponent to exploit. Against Rakow, the three-defender structure naturally matches Hajduk's front four, making the wingers' roles simpler. Therefore, Hajduk should not abandon its aggressive approach just because it's playing away.
The midfield will look different due to the suspension of Marko Pajaziti. The logical replacements are Emir Sahiti and Filip Krovinovic, with Jani Atanasov also an option. Hajduk is expected to field a physically stronger midfield pairing, which hasn't been the case for years. Such a duo would bring more defensive capacity, duel strength, and the ability to cover space behind the first press more quickly.
In situations where Rakow managed to find a free man in the centre at Poljud, a physically more robust midfield pair could neutralise that threat. This could allow for an even higher press and pressure on the opponent. Currently, according to our data on the squad page, Hajduk has 28 players registered for European competitions.
A key difference compared to the elimination by Pafos is the clarity of the opponent. Rakow is a team that sticks to its principles and rarely deviates from its three-defender system. Last season they were unbeaten in the Conference League group stage and held Fiorentina for 160 minutes. Unlike Pafos, which showed two completely different faces, Rakow is consistent.
Hajduk proved in the first leg that it can match a more experienced side. The key will be to remain aggressive and impose its game in the centre of the pitch, forcing turnovers. If it can compress the Poles into their 5-4-1 defensive block, Hajduk could maintain prolonged possession and create chances. Maintaining pressure is more important than taking maximum risks at all costs.
This is Hajduk's best chance to enter European competition in the last 10 years. After this tie, it will be possible to clearly assess whether the team has matured both in playing style and mentality to face a more experienced opponent. Garcia has a straightforward task: trust the established idea and the team's identity.
A victory would secure Hajduk a place in the Europa League group stage, bringing significant financial revenue and prestige. The club is currently in second place in the HNL standings, three points behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb. The next league match after the European adventure is against Gorica, and details can be found in our fixtures calendar. The match against Rakow is scheduled for Thursday, 10 September 2026.
