Hajduk Split drew 1–1 against Zira in Baku in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round.
The Azerbaijani side took the lead in the 31st minute through French midfielder Brahim Konaté, but a much-improved second half from Hajduk saw them equalize thanks to Anthony Kalik’s goal in the 68th minute.
Under the guidance of new head coach Gonzalo García, Hajduk came away with a valuable draw, meaning the tie will be decided on home soil.
Zira, who knocked out Croatian club Osijek in last season’s qualifiers, took the lead in the 31st minute. Issa Djibrila made a strong run down the left flank and crossed to the far post, where the ball bounced to Iron Gomis. His shot was redirected into the net from close range by Konaté, leaving Hajduk goalkeeper Ivica Ivušić with no chance.
Hajduk had few chances in the first half, with their best effort coming in the 43rd minute when Filip Krovinović fired from 25 meters out but missed the target.
Zira nearly doubled their lead early in the second half when a defensive error from Hajduk allowed Martins Junior a clear opportunity in the 49th minute, but Ivušić came up with a crucial save.
Hajduk looked much more threatening in the second half and found their equalizer in the 68th minute. After a well-worked move and a low cross from Šimun Hrgović, Kalik slid in and poked the ball into the net with the tip of his boot to make it 1–1.
Right after the goal, coach García made a triple substitution: Fran Karačić, Michele Šego, and Yassine Benrahou came on for Niko Sigur, Noa Skoko, and Roko Brajković.
In the 74th minute, Hajduk nearly completed the comeback when Šego got a shot off, but the Zira keeper made a fine save. Just two minutes later, Marko Livaja had a chance, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
Zira almost stole the win in the dying moments of the match when Muradov struck the post from the edge of the box. With the tie finely balanced, everything is still to play for in Split next week.
The second leg will be played on July 31 at Poljud Stadium in Split. On Thursday, fellow Croatian side Varaždin will begin their European campaign by hosting Portuguese club Santa Clara.
