LNZ Cherkasy vs HNK Hajduk Split

The match was a physical, tightly-contested affair from the first whistle. LNZ Cherkasy — who conceded just 17 goals across 30 Ukrainian league matches last season (source: Jutarnji list) — proved a stubborn opponent, giving Hajduk little space in the final third.

Ukrainian winger Kravčuk posed early problems for the Hajduk defence, firing narrowly off target in the 8th minute and again in the 37th. Hajduk goalkeeper Toni Silić was forced into a sharp save to deny Riabov on the stroke of half-time.

With chances at a premium, the breakthrough came in the 44th minute. Adrion Pajaziti swung in a corner from the left, and Pukštas rose at the far post to guide a header into the net from close range (source: Jutarnji list / provider payload).

The second half followed a similar pattern — plenty of duels in midfield, few clear-cut opportunities. Garcia made a raft of changes, and the heat in Radomlje took its toll on both sides. LNZ substitute Cara tested the goalkeeper from distance in the 75th minute, and Ismail Hrgović blocked a dangerous Osei effort in the 66th, but neither side could alter the scoreline.

Pajaziti's 44th-minute corner and Pukštas's headed finish. In a game that offered little in open play — both defences were well organised and the midfield was congested — Hajduk made a set piece count just before the interval. LNZ had no time to respond before the whistle, and Hajduk managed the second half without ever looking likely to concede.

Rokas Pukštas — The 21-year-old American midfielder scored his second pre-season goal in as many games. His well-timed run and header from Pajaziti's corner proved the match-winner. He played 70 minutes before being substituted (source: Larry Henry Jr / X).

Adrion Pajaziti — The Kosovo midfielder provided the assist from the corner that produced the only goal. He was replaced by M. Žaper in the 70th minute.

Toni Silić — Hajduk's goalkeeper made a crucial save in the 48th minute to deny Riabov and kept a clean sheet before being replaced by I. Ivušić in the 62nd minute.

LNZ Cherkasy defence — The Ukrainian side's organised back line limited Hajduk to very few chances in open play, living up to their reputation as one of the toughest defences in Ukraine's top flight last season.

Both of Hajduk's recent signings — Belgian defender Alec Van Hoorenbeeck and French full-back Mathieu Acapandie — made their debuts for the club, starting the match before being substituted in the 26th minute as part of planned rotation (source: Jutarnji list).

For Hajduk Split, this was their second pre-season outing at their training base in Radomlje, Slovenia. The narrow victory against a disciplined Ukrainian opponent — who finished as runners-up in their domestic league — provides a useful gauge of where Garcia's squad stands in their preparations. Hajduk's next friendly is against Slovenian side Celje on 1 July 2026 (source: Larry Henry Jr / X).

For LNZ Cherkasy, the defeat is a minor setback in pre-season, but the performance — particularly the defensive organisation against a Croatian top-flight side — offers encouragement as they build towards the new Ukrainian season.

Hajduk used 22 players across the 90 minutes, making nine substitutions in total, while LNZ made six changes at half-time. The physical intensity was high, with multiple duels throughout, but clear-cut chances were scarce — typical of early pre-season where fitness and tactical shape take priority over fluency.

A professional, workmanlike pre-season win for Hajduk. Pukštas's headed finish from a set piece was the difference against a well-drilled LNZ side that gave little away. Garcia will be pleased with the clean sheet and the game time for new signings, but the lack of creativity from open play in the second half — an issue noted by Croatian media (source: Jutarnji list) — is something to monitor ahead of tougher tests and potential European qualifiers.