HNK Hajduk Split employed an intentional kick-off ploy to trigger a high press in their 1-0 win over Varaždin. Centre-back Dario Marešić executed this unexpected move immediately after referee Dario Bel signalled the start of the match in the 10th round of the SuperSport HNL on Sunday at Poljud.

The aim is to force the opponent into a throw-in deep in their own half under immediate pressure, limiting their space and increasing the chances of winning the ball back in an advanced area. If the team pushes forward successfully right after the kick, it can create a turnover opportunity. The risk, of course, is that the opponent executes the throw-in cleanly and escapes the press, leaving space for a counter-attack.

This method is not new in world football. Paris Saint-Germain used an identical tactic in the 2025 Champions League final against Inter, when Portuguese midfielder Vitinha intentionally kicked the ball out for a throw-in. PSG won that match 5-0 to claim their first title in the competition.

For Hajduk, this move is part of a broader tactical approach that is yielding results. The win over Varaždin, sealed by Mathieu Acapandie in the 86th minute following a corner from Abdoulie Sanyang, marked the team's third consecutive victory in all competitions. In the HNL, Hajduk currently sits fourth with 10 points from five games, just two points behind leaders Osijek. A look at the standings shows how tight the race at the top is.

Following wins against Ajax (2-1) and Dinamo Zagreb (2-1), this triumph further boosts the squad's confidence ahead of next weekend's away trip to Istra 1961, who are seventh in the table. Acapandie's goal was key for the three points, with the hajduk.hr match report stating: "86 GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL, 1:0.

The team's form across the last five matches is four wins and one loss, while their league record stands at three wins, one draw and one loss. They have scored 11 goals this season and conceded only five, giving them a goal difference of plus six. Their top scorer this season is M. Šego with four goals. Given the good form and the close title race, every detail like this tactical surprise can be important. Hajduk's next test is away to Istra in Pula on Saturday, 24 October.

First reported at Index.hr Sport