HNK Hajduk Split defeated Pafos 2-0 in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League on Sunday, opening their next phase with a confident display at Stadion Poljud. The Split side had already eliminated Žilina 3-2 on aggregate in the first round, setting up a clash with the winner of the FC Santa Coloma vs FC Differdange 03 tie in the third round. Fran Tudor opened the scoring in the 12th minute, and Jan Mlakar doubled the lead before half-time as Hajduk maintained their strong start to the new season. (League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in HNL, 68 pts, 20W-8D-8L from 36 games, recent form WDLWD.)

How did Hajduk reach the second round?

Hajduk began their Europa League campaign with a two-legged tie against Žilina. The away leg in Slovakia ended 1-1, but a 2-1 home victory at Stadion Poljud ensured a 3-2 aggregate win. In the second round, Hajduk traveled to Pafos and secured a 2-0 away victory, with goals from Fran Tudor and Jan Mlakar. Duje Ćaleta stood out as one of the best performers on the pitch.

What does this result mean for HNK Hajduk Split?

The win over Pafos confirmed Hajduk’s strong form in European qualifiers. The Split side now sits second in the HNL with 68 points, 18 behind Dinamo Zagreb. Over their last five matches, Hajduk has one loss, two draws, and two wins (WDDLL), reflecting consistency. The club’s current goal difference stands at +25 (61 scored, 36 conceded), providing a solid foundation for their European ambitions. Their objective remains to secure a place in the Europa League group stage.

What’s next for Hajduk?

HNK Hajduk Split will face the winner of the FC Santa Coloma vs FC Differdange 03 tie in the third qualifying round. The match will be decisive for a potential place in the group stage. In the meantime, Hajduk will focus on the domestic league, where they currently hold second position. Their last result was a 6-3 victory over Vukovar on May 22, 2026, a high-scoring performance. With their current form and results, Hajduk has the potential for another strong European campaign this season.