Hajduk Split host Pafos FC in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League qualifying quarter-final, with both clubs aiming to secure a crucial advantage before next week’s decisive return fixture in Cyprus. Hajduk arrive with competitive momentum after progressing through the previous qualifying round, while Pafos begin their European campaign following another impressive domestic season.

With both teams enjoying strong recent form and harbouring ambitions of reaching the Europa League group stage, this promises to be one of the most closely contested ties of the qualifying round.

Match Preview

Hajduk Split Carry Qualification Momentum Into First Leg

Hajduk Split have already negotiated one challenging qualifying round and will be confident of extending their European journey after eliminating Žilina with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The Croatian giants laid the foundations for qualification with an impressive 2-0 home win before narrowly losing 2-1 away in the second leg. Their ability to remain composed under pressure highlighted the experience and maturity within the squad.

Preparations for the new campaign have also been encouraging. Hajduk recorded friendly victories over Celje (1-0), LNZ Cherkasy (1-0) and Shkëndija (4-0), demonstrating both defensive organisation and attacking efficiency.

European competition has long been part of Hajduk’s identity. The Croatian club famously reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1983/84 and have consistently competed in UEFA tournaments, giving them valuable experience in navigating high-pressure knockout football.

Backed by a passionate home crowd in Split, Hajduk will be eager to build another first-leg advantage.

Pafos Continue Their European Rise

Pafos arrive in Croatia looking to continue the remarkable progress they have made in recent seasons.

The Cypriot side finished the previous campaign strongly, recording impressive victories over APOEL Nicosia (2-0) and Aris Limassol (2-0), while also earning a 2-2 draw against AEK Larnaca. Narrow defeats to Omonia Nicosia (2-0) and Apollon Limassol (2-1) showed there is still room for improvement, particularly away from home.

Pafos have developed into a possession-based side that combines patient build-up play with quick attacking transitions through midfield. Their balanced tactical approach has helped establish them as one of Cyprus’ emerging forces both domestically and in Europe.

Although they lack Hajduk’s extensive European history, Pafos continue to gain valuable UEFA experience with every campaign and possess enough quality to trouble any opponent.

Head-to-Head Record

• This will be the first competitive meeting between Hajduk Split and Pafos.
• The winner on aggregate will advance to the next round of UEFA Europa League qualifying.

Key Stats

• Hajduk Split have won four of their last five matches in all competitions.
• Hajduk have kept three clean sheets in their last five fixtures.
• Pafos have scored in four of their previous five competitive matches.
• Hajduk have already progressed through one Europa League qualifying round this season.
• Both teams have shown consistent attacking form heading into this tie.

Betting Tips

• ✅ Hajduk Split to Win
• ✅ Both Teams To Score – Yes
• ✅ Over 2.5 Goals
• ✅ Hajduk Split to Score First

Correct Score Prediction

Hajduk Split 2-1 Pafos

Hajduk Split’s competitive rhythm, home advantage, and extensive European experience make them slight favourites heading into the first leg. Pafos possess enough attacking quality to find the net, but the Croatian side’s organisation and experience should prove decisive in a closely fought contest.

Final Prediction

• 🏆 Hajduk Split to Win
• ⚽ Both Teams To Score – Yes
• 📈 Over 2.5 Goals
• ⭐ Hajduk Split to Score First
• 🎯 Correct Score: Hajduk Split 2-1 Pafos

Expect an entertaining first leg in Split, with Hajduk using home advantage to edge a competitive encounter while Pafos do enough offensively to keep the tie alive heading into the return match in Cyprus.