Hajduk Split Return to Europe: Historic Conference League Qualification After 15 Years

A European Night to Remember

HNK Hajduk Split are back on the European stage. After 15 long years of waiting, the Croatian giants have secured qualification for the UEFA Conference League league phase following a dramatic 3–2 extra-time victory away to Raków Częstochowa.

It was an evening that demanded courage, composure and belief. Hajduk entered the second leg after a 2–2 draw at Poljud, knowing that one special performance in Poland could turn a difficult qualifying campaign into a historic achievement. They delivered exactly that, winning the tie 5–4 on aggregate.

A Dream Start Through Raçi

Hajduk could not have wished for a better opening. Ron Raçi struck in the first minute, giving the visitors an immediate advantage and silencing the home crowd. The early goal rewarded Hajduk’s fearless approach and placed the pressure firmly on Raków.

However, the hosts fought back after the break. Mohamed Diaby-Fadiga converted a penalty in the 61st minute before Michele Šego restored Hajduk’s lead only five minutes later. The contest remained open and intensely emotional, with every attack carrying enormous importance for both sides.

Raków Fight Back, Pukštas Delivers the Defining Moment

Raków refused to give in and found another equaliser through Mahir Emreli in the 88th minute, forcing the tie into extra time. At that stage, the match had become a true test of nerve. Hajduk had been pushed back, the pressure was growing, and the margin for error had disappeared.

Then came the moment that will be remembered in Split. In the 94th minute, Rokas Pukštas found the crucial goal to put Hajduk back in front. It was a strike of immense value, one that carried the club through a tense final period and into the UEFA Conference League league phase.

More Than Qualification

This was not only a victory over Raków. For Hajduk, it was a victory over years of European disappointment, missed opportunities and long waits. The club’s supporters have remained loyal through every difficult campaign, always believing that nights like this could return.

Hajduk showed character when the game became uncomfortable. They scored early, responded after conceding, survived the late Raków pressure and still found the strength to produce the decisive extra-time moment. That resilience is what makes this qualification feel particularly meaningful.

For the players, staff and supporters, this is a night to celebrate. The white shirt of Hajduk will once again be seen in the league phase of a UEFA competition, and the club now have an opportunity to create new European memories.

Match Details

Competition: UEFA Conference League Play-off Round – Second Leg

Fixture: Raków Częstochowa vs HNK Hajduk Split

Venue: Miejski Stadion Piłkarski Raków, Częstochowa, Poland

Result: Raków Częstochowa 2–3 HNK Hajduk Split (after extra time)

Aggregate score: HNK Hajduk Split won 5–4

Hajduk scorers: Ron Raçi (1'), Michele Šego (66'), Rokas Pukštas (94')

Raków scorers: Mohamed Diaby-Fadiga (61' pen), Mahir Emreli (88')