Hajduk defeated Lithuanian side Žalgiris 5-2 in a convincing performance on 6 August 2026. This was the first match of the third qualifying round for the Conference League, in which the Split-based side demonstrated dominance and secured a vital result ahead of the return leg at Poljud Stadium.
Goals for Hajduk were scored by Michele Šego, Adrion Pajaziti, Dalisson and Rokas Pukštas. Šego was the most instrumental in securing the three points, scoring two goals, in the 5th and 44th minutes. The first goal came from the penalty spot after Yuri Kendysh had fouled Šego in the 5th minute and received a yellow card. Pajaziti took the lead in the 56th minute, with Dalisson following in the 73rd, while Pukštas set the final score at 5-2 in the 75th minute.
Žalgiris managed to respond with two goals. Nikola Petković reduced the deficit to 1-1 in the 35th minute, but Hajduk’s lead was restored shortly after. In the 86th minute, Marko Capan, a former Hajduk player, scored for the 5-2 result, though this did not alter the outcome of the match.
This victory represents a significant turnaround for Hajduk, which has not won in European away fixtures for nearly six years. The last away victory in European competition was achieved with a 1-0 result against Renova in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
The team is now in a favourable position to progress, with the return leg to be played on 13 August at 21:00 at Poljud Stadium. The winner of the two-legged tie between Hajduk and Žalgiris in the final qualifying round will face the winner of the tie between Polish side Raków and Swedish side Hammarby. The first meeting between these two clubs ended in a 0-0 draw.
