Hajduk Split is set to return to the Europa League after a five-year absence, thanks to a victory by their arch-rivals, Dinamo Zagreb. Dinamo's win in the Croatian Cup final against Rijeka (2-0) has secured Hajduk's place in the Europa League qualifiers for the upcoming season. This marks the end of a long drought for the Split-based club, which last played in the Europa League on September 24, 2020, when they lost 2-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul.

The End of a Five-Year Post and Failures in the Conference League

Hajduk's journey in the UEFA Conference League has been a source of disappointment. In the 2021/22 season, they were shockingly eliminated in the second qualifying round by FC Tobol of Kazakhstan. The following season, under Valdas Dambrauskas, they made it to the playoff round, only to be halted by Villarreal. In 2023/24, Hajduk were stopped in the third qualifying round by PAOK, and in 2024/25, they were halted by ŠK Slovan Bratislava. The return to the Europa League is seen as a significant opportunity for the club to advance in European competition.

Status as Holders Critical for European Journey

Securing a spot as a Europa League qualifier offers Hajduk a significant advantage. Even if they fail to progress, they would still have a chance in the Conference League. Crucially, Hajduk's status as holders in the first qualifying round could determine whether they face an easier or harder opponent. Currently, Hajduk is on the cusp of being a holder, but this could change based on the outcomes of cup finals and league tables across Europe. Hajduk is closely watching the developments in Serbia and Romania, with potential scenarios such as a Vojvodina victory over Red Star in the Serbian Cup final, which would push Partizan out of the Europa League and ease Hajduk's path.

Who Might Face Hajduk?

Depending on the final draw and their status as holders, Hajduk's path could vary greatly. If they do not secure holder status, they may face tough opponents like Qarabag of Azerbaijan, Ferencvaros from Hungary, Maccabi Tel Aviv, or regional rivals like Partizan or Craiova. Conversely, if Hajduk enters as a holder, they could face easier opponents like ŠK Slovan Bratislava, Vojvodina, Universitatea Cluj, or Derry City. Hajduk hopes for the latter scenario, which would increase their chances of reaching the group stage. The first round of qualifiers begins on July 9, well before the start of the league season.