HNK Hajduk Split were held to a 2:2 draw by Rakow Czestochowa on Thursday at Poljud in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff tie. The Polish side scored a late equaliser in the 95th minute, leaving everything to play for in the return leg.
The match started brightly for the Croatian team. Michele Sego gave Hajduk the lead in the 21st minute with a headed goal from a Josip Bamba cross. The visitors responded quickly. Former Dinamo Zagreb striker Mahir Emreli levelled the score in the 27th minute. After the break, Dalisson de Almeida restored Hajduk's advantage with a superb long-range strike in the 47th minute. The game turned when Adrion Pajaziti was sent off in the 55th minute for a dangerous challenge. Playing with a man advantage, Rakow pressed and found their reward in stoppage time. Lamine Diaby-Fadiga netted the final 2:2 in the fifth minute of added time.
The first half was highly dynamic with two goals in the space of six minutes. Hajduk showed good attacking ideas, particularly from the wings. After Dalisson's brilliant goal early in the second half, it seemed the hosts would hold on. Pajaziti's red card changed the flow of the game. With an extra player, Rakow increased the pressure and finally found the net. Rakow manager Dawid Kroczek told reporters he was pleased with his team's reaction. "We started very well, according to our plan. I think we reacted very well after their first goal," Kroczek said.
Dawid Kroczek noted that many expected a Hajduk win but praised his players' character. "We all thought Hajduk would win, but in the end we got to that goal," the Polish coach stated. He also commented that the ground was tough but that they showed maturity in facing a strong team. He highlighted tactical changes forced by an injury to one of his starters, which moved Fran Tudor to a different position. This statement provides insight into the visiting side's perspective.
Following the sending off, Adrion Pajaziti will be suspended for the return leg. This opens an opportunity for other players in midfield. According to our data on the squad page, Hajduk has several options for that position, including experienced players and young talents. Manager Ivan Leko will have a challenging decision for the second match.
The return leg against Rakow will be played next week in Poland. Hajduk will need a draw with at least one goal scored to progress, due to the away goals rule. Before that important European tie, the team has a domestic league match at home against Istra 1961. The full schedule of preparations and upcoming fixtures is available on our fixtures page. For now, the focus is on recovery and analysing the mistakes from the first leg. Hajduk's next league match is scheduled for Saturday, September 12th, at Poljud.
