Hajduk and Osijek both played at home in the second round of the Europa League qualifications.
Hajduk
On a tortured terrain at Poljud (thanks to the aftermath of the Ultra Europe music festival), Hajduk eventually managed to win against Slavia Sofia 1:0 – though it wasn’t as easy as it should have been. In front of more than 26,000 fans at Poljud, Said secured the victory for the boys in white in the 79th minute.
Hajduk possessed almost the entire 90 minutes of play, and though their win was completely deserved, it was complicated. Hajduk did have some luck, and the Bulgarian side failed to achieve some great opportunities in the first 45 minutes.
Sofia’s 42-year-old goalkeeper Petkov, who defended Hajduk’s incredible chances, was the player of the match – and of Hajduk’s 10 shots on goal, he only allowed the Split club one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=VNPTIGs-k4A
The return match between Hajduk and Slavia will be held in Sofia in a week.
The winner of Hajduk and Slavia will play in the third qualifying round against the winner of NK Rudar Velenje from Slovenia and FC FCSB from Romania. In the first game, Velenje won 2:0.
Osijek
Osijek faced Glasgow Rangers, currently led by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, in their second qualifying match of Europa League.
In front of 7,000 spectators, Osijek fell to the Rangers 0:1 from a goal by Alfredo Morelos 18 minutes into the match – though Osijek dominated and looked to be the better team throughout the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=riYmSXAf468
Osijek saw their best opportunity in the 10th minute when Marić shot from ten meters, while in the 14th minute, Barišić’s failed to find the back of the net, too.
While Osijek continued to have chances in the second half, they were unable to score. The game ended 0:1.
Osijek will visit Glasgow next week for the return match.
