Raków Częstochowa hosted Hajduk Split in the UEFA Conference League playoff round on Wednesday, but the hosts could not hold on as the visitors secured a 2:3 victory after extra time at the Mejski Stadion Pitariski Rakow.
R. Raci gave Hajduk the lead in the first minute, and then L. Diaby-Fadiga thought he had equalised for Raków before his goal was cancelled by VAR for offside at the 12th minute. To be fair, the early pressure from the hosts was evident, but the Croatian side kept their shape.
The second half brought the penalty that Raków needed. L. Diaby-Fadiga converted from the spot in the 60th minute, and then M. Sego restored Hajduk's advantage just six minutes later. By then the match had opened up, and both teams were trading blows.
M. Emreli dragged Raków back into it with a goal in the 88th minute, only for R. Pukstas to strike in the 94th minute and send the tie into extra time. Hajduk held on grimly through the additional periods, surviving several Raków attacks before the final whistle.
Raków dominated possession at 68 per cent and created six big chances, yet their shots hit the target only once in four attempts. Their expected goals figure of 2.29 stood in stark contrast to the three they conceded, while Hajduk's 33 per cent shot accuracy proved more efficient with four on target from eleven attempts.
The result ends Raków's Conference League campaign at the playoff stage, while Hajduk advance with momentum from their recent 4:0 win over Osijek. The visitors had drawn 2:2 with the hosts in their previous meeting on 20th August, but this time the difference was clear.
