Who will referee Hajduk Split’s return leg?

HNK Hajduk Split will face Žilina in the Europa League second leg on July 16 at 20:30, with Romanian Horatiu Fesnic appointed as the referee. UEFA confirmed his assignment, and Fesnic is already familiar to Croatian fans from his previous HNL duties.

Why is Fesnic notable for Hajduk?

Fesnic officiated the April 2024 Jadranski derby, where Hajduk lost 1‑0. He also refereed Osijek’s 0‑0 draw against Pogoń Szczecin in 2021. Last season he handled 35 SHNL matches, issuing 181 yellow cards, 11 reds and 20 second‑yellow dismissals. Assisting him for Žilina will be Valentin Avram and Alexandru Corb, with Szabolcs Kovacs as the fourth official.

How does this affect Hajduk’s performance?

Hajduk enters the second leg with a two‑goal advantage, but a match under Fesnic could add extra pressure. The club currently sits second in the HNL with 68 points, 20 wins, 8 draws and 8 losses from 36 games. Their goal difference is +25, having scored 61 and conceded 36. Though 18 points behind leaders Dinamo Zagreb, their latest result – a 6‑3 victory over Vukovar on May 22, 2026 – shows attacking firepower.

What to expect in Žilina?

In Slovakia, Žilina arrives with a two‑goal lead and is known for a solid defence. Fesnic will need to balance Hajduk’s aggressive style with Žilina’s tactical discipline. Fans will scrutinise every decision, given past controversy over his officiating.

What are the key success factors?

Formation and discipline will be decisive. Hajduk’s recent five‑match run reads 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses (WDDLL). Maintaining their lead while avoiding costly cards under Fesnic’s watch could secure progression. Coach Goran Vučević will likely tweak tactics to minimise fouls.

Where to watch the match?

The game will be broadcast live on HRT‑2, with streaming available on Hajduk.hr. Fans across Croatia can follow live stats on UEFA.com, where Fesnic’s performance will be tracked in real time.