In the first two rounds, Hajduk eliminated Tetovo club Shkendija and the Belarusian champions Minsk. They achieved three wins and a draw, with a goal difference of 9:2.
Atletico reached the playoffs as the second-placed team in Group B. Coached by Fernando Torres, Atletico recorded 10 points – three wins, one draw, and two defeats. Porto was behind Atletico in third, while the group winner was Liverpool with 11 points.
Only one game is played in the playoff round, there is no overtime, and in the event of a draw, penalties are taken. The capacity of Poljud stadium was limited on Wednesday due to epidemiological measures (40%). 8,761 fans were in attendance. Hajduk was the host of the match because they were the Croatian champion.
Lineups
Hajduk: Silić, Letaj, Capan, Čuić, Brkljača, Hrgović, Pukštas, Prpić, Krolo, Bradarić, Ljubičić
Atletico: Iturbe, Diez, Navarro, Kamara, Kostis, Curras, Gismera, Corral, Barrios, El Jebari, Martin
Recap
We saw a very even first half with one attempt on goal for Hajduk compared to Atletico’s two. However, a highlight of the first half came for Hajduk in the final minute when a free kick was awarded outside the box. Capan sent the ball into the box which Cuic headed into the crossbar. With chaos in front of the Atletico keeper from the rebound, Hajduk ultimately sent the ball over the goal line, which the ref called back for an offensive foul.
The match ended 0:0 going into halftime.
Atletico came our far more aggressive to start the second half, with two corners in the 56th and 58th minutes.
Hajduk made its first substitutions in the 61st minute – Lazar came on for Krolo, and Vrcic for Cuic. Less than 10 minutes later, Vladusic replaced Brkljaca.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the second half, either, bringing the match to penalties.
Penalties
Ljubicic went up first for Hajduk and hit the post.
Curras scored Atletico’s first penalty 0:1.
Hrgovic scored Hajduk’s next penalty – 1:1.
Atletico missed their second penalty to keep it 1:1!
Vrcic scored for 2:1.
Atletico made their next one for 2:2.
Capan missed to keep it 2:2.
Atletico took the lead again thanks to Martin for 2:3.
Hajduk missed their last penalty for Atletico to move ahead in the Youth League.
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