Žilina 2-1 HNK Hajduk Split: UEFA Europa League Comeback
Žilina 2-1 HNK Hajduk Split at Štadión pod Dubňom in the UEFA Europa League 1st Qualifying Round, a late turnaround that gives the Slovak side a crucial first-leg advantage. Trailing at half-time, Žilina struck twice after the break — including a stoppage-time own goal — to carry a narrow lead into the return fixture, while Hajduk must now overturn a deficit at home to keep their European campaign alive.
Match Report
The game’s first major incident came on 20', when Šimun Hrgović (HNK Hajduk Split) received a yellow card for tripping, signalling Hajduk’s aggressive approach out of possession. Ten minutes later, on 30', Alec Van Hoorenbeeck (HNK Hajduk Split) was also booked for tripping, putting both of Hajduk’s left-sided defenders on cautions before the interval.
The visitors capitalised on their first-half pressure in added time. On 45+2' HNK Hajduk Split goal — Alec Van Hoorenbeeck (assisted by S. Hrgovic). The defender arrived to finish after Hrgović’s delivery, giving Hajduk a 0-1 lead at the break.
Žilina reacted immediately after half-time. On 46', Marek Okal replaced Tobias Pališčák (Žilina), a proactive defensive change from coach Pavol Stano to freshen the back line.
The hosts found their equaliser on 52'. Žilina goal — M. Roginic (assisted by F. Kosa). Roginić converted after a move involving František Kóša, levelling the tie at 1-1 and shifting momentum firmly towards the home side.
Hajduk made their first attacking adjustment on 64', when Dalisson de Almeida replaced Noa Skoko (HNK Hajduk Split), looking for more incision between the lines.
Žilina responded with a double substitution on 66'. First, F. Bzdyl replaced M. Káčer (Žilina), adding fresh legs in midfield. Moments later, M. Fasko replaced F. Kosa (Žilina), changing one of the advanced midfield roles after Kóša had already provided the key assist.
The game’s physical edge continued to rise. On 67', X. Adang (Žilina) was shown a yellow card for roughing, underlining the intensity in central areas as both sides fought for control.
On 72', Žilina made another attacking tweak, with S. Datko replacing P. Ilko (Žilina), a move aimed at injecting new energy into the forward line.
Hajduk then turned to their bench again on 75', making a double change. A. Sanyang replaced S. Hrgovic (HNK Hajduk Split), removing a booked full-back who had also provided the assist for the opener. At the same minute, A. Guram replaced R. Brajkovic (HNK Hajduk Split), refreshing the attacking midfield zone.
On 82', Žilina continued to rotate midfield, with A. Florea replacing X. Adang (Žilina), taking off the booked midfielder to avoid disciplinary risk late on.
Hajduk’s final substitution came on 84', as M. Livaja replaced M. Sego (HNK Hajduk Split), introducing their star forward to chase a late winner and tilt the tie further in their favour.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. On 90+1' Žilina goal — D. Melnjak (own goal, unassisted). Under pressure in his own box, the Hajduk defender diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper, turning a drawn first leg into a 2-1 advantage for Žilina.
There was still time for one last disciplinary note. On 90+2', A. Florea (Žilina) received a yellow card for tripping, as the hosts managed the closing seconds to secure their comeback win.
Fixture Statistics & Tactical Audit
- xG: Žilina — vs HNK Hajduk Split —
- Possession: Žilina — vs HNK Hajduk Split —
- Shots on Target: Žilina — vs HNK Hajduk Split —
- Goalkeeper Saves: Žilina — vs HNK Hajduk Split —
With key statistical categories unavailable, the tactical picture must be drawn primarily from the flow of events. Hajduk’s first-half lead, built from a set-piece-style situation finished by Van Hoorenbeeck, reflected their early territorial edge. However, Žilina’s series of targeted substitutions around the hour — particularly the introduction of Bzdyl, Faško and later Florea — tilted midfield control and allowed them to sustain pressure in the second half. The late own goal by Melnjak was the product of that accumulated pressure rather than an isolated mistake, suggesting the 2-1 scoreline fairly rewards Žilina’s stronger second-half performance, even if the underlying xG and shot volumes are not recorded.
Standings Update & Seasonal Impact
With no league-table data provided, the impact is framed purely in European terms. Žilina’s 2-1 home victory in this 1st Qualifying Round tie means they travel to Split with a one-goal aggregate lead and the psychological boost of having overturned a deficit. For Hajduk, conceding twice after the interval — including in stoppage time — transforms their task: they now require at least a one-goal win in the return leg to stay alive in the UEFA Europa League, and any goal conceded at home will significantly raise the required margin of victory.
Lineups & Personnel
Žilina Starting XI
- GK: Jakub Badžgoň
- DF: Tobias Pališčák, Ján Minárik, Aleksandre Narimanidze, Timotej Hranica
- MF: Xavier Adang, Miroslav Káčer, Krisztián Bari, František Kóša
- FW: Marko Roginić, Patrik Iľko
HNK Hajduk Split Starting XI
- GK: Toni Silić
- DF: Mathieu Acapandié, Marino Skelin, Alec Van Hoorenbeeck, Šimun Hrgović
- MF: Rokas Pukštas, Adrion Pajaziti, Roko Brajković, Noa Skoko, Dario Melnjak
- FW: Michele Šego
Post-Match Verdict
Žilina’s win was built on in-game management rather than clear statistical dominance, with a sequence of well-timed substitutions reshaping the midfield and attacking structure after a flat first half. The hosts turned a 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 victory through sustained second-half pressure that forced the late own goal from Melnjak, complementing Roginić’s earlier equaliser. For Hajduk, the performance will feel like a defensive collapse relative to their controlled first period: two yellow cards for their left-sided defenders in the opening half-hour foreshadowed issues on that flank, and the inability to absorb Žilina’s late pressure — culminating in the 90+1' own goal — leaves them with a precarious position heading into the second leg.
