Žilina vs HNK Hajduk Split

Hajduk struck the decisive blow of the tie just before half-time. In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, Šimun Hrgović swung a cross into the box and Belgian centre-back Alec Van Hoorenbeeck rose highest to head past goalkeeper Ján Badžgoň. It was a hammer blow for Žilina — now 3-0 down on aggregate and needing three goals in the second half.

The Slovak side responded immediately after the interval. Mário Roginić collected a pass from František Kóša in the 52nd minute and slotted home to cut the deficit to 1-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate. The goal electrified the crowd of 7,823 at Štadión Pod Dubňom, and Žilina pushed hard for a second.

Pavol Stano's side threw men forward in the final stages. They were rewarded in the first minute of stoppage time when Hajduk captain Dario Melnjak, attempting to clear a dangerous cross, diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper Toni Silić. The own goal made it 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate — but Hajduk held on through five tense minutes of added time to progress.

Van Hoorenbeeck's 45th+2-minute header was the moment that tilted the tie decisively Hajduk's way. Had Žilina reached half-time at 0-0, they would have needed only two goals in the second half. Instead, they needed three. The Belgian defender's timing was impeccable — both his leap and the stage of the game.

Alec Van Hoorenbeeck (Hajduk Split) — Scored the crucial opening goal and was a commanding presence at the back, winning his aerial duels and organising the defensive line. Booked in the 30th minute for a tactical foul.

Mário Roginić (Žilina) — The striker's well-taken finish in the 52nd minute gave Žilina hope when the tie looked dead. His movement stretched the Hajduk defence throughout the second half.

Toni Silić (Hajduk Split) — The goalkeeper made several important saves in the second half to preserve the aggregate lead, particularly during Žilina's sustained pressure between the 60th and 80th minutes.

František Kóša (Žilina) — Provided the assist for Roginić's goal and was a constant threat down the right flank, forcing Hajduk's full-backs into defensive mode.

The match saw two yellow cards apiece, with no red cards issued. Hajduk's three first-half bookings (Hrgović 20', Van Hoorenbeeck 30') reflected a tactical approach to disrupt Žilina's rhythm early, while Žilina's two cautions (Adang 67', Florea 90+2') came from frustration as the clock ticked down. Both sides made liberal use of their substitutes — Žilina used all five, Hajduk made four changes — as the intensity ratcheted up in the second half. The aggregate scoreline of 3-2 tells the story of a tie that was far tighter than the first leg's 2-0 margin suggested.

Hajduk Split advance to the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round, preserving their chance to reach the group stage. For Žilina, European football in 2026/27 ends at the first hurdle, a painful exit given how close they came to forcing extra time. The Slovak side will now turn their full attention to domestic duties in the Niké Liga.

Hajduk's next European fixture is in the second qualifying round, with the draw determining their opponent. Žilina's next competitive match is their domestic league campaign, which is already underway.

Žilina can hold their heads high after pushing a stronger side to the limit on home soil. Hajduk Split, however, will know they need to be more clinical in the next round — their first-leg cushion papered over cracks that Žilina repeatedly exposed in the second leg. Van Hoorenbeeck's goal was the difference between a tie that could have slipped away and one that ultimately delivered progression.