Hajduk Split 4-0 Žalgiris Vilnius: Conference League Dominance
Hajduk Split dispatched Žalgiris Vilnius 4-0 in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League on Wednesday evening at Stadion Poljud. The Croatian side opened the scoring in the second half and never looked back, securing a comprehensive victory over the Lithuanian visitors.
D. Melnjak was the early hero, striking twice within a minute of each other in the 53rd and 54th minutes to give Hajduk an immediate lead. The goals came after what appeared to be a patient buildup, with the hosts gradually increasing their pressure after the break. A. Guram added a third in the 69th minute, extending the advantage before the visitors could mount any meaningful response.
The match statistics painted a picture of complete control. Hajduk registered 119 attacks compared to Žalgiris's 71, while possession remained firmly in Croatian hands at 63%. The hosts took seven shots on target and hit the woodwork four times, though only three found the back of the net. Žalgiris managed just one shot on target all evening, a reflection of how thoroughly they were shut out.
Substitutions began flowing in the 60th minute as Hajduk looked to manage the game. M. Soticek came on first, followed by a trio of changes for Žalgiris in the 63rd and 68th minutes. The visitors attempted to bring fresh legs into the match, but the damage had already been done. Hajduk made three changes of their own in the 68th minute, including Marco Livaja and Dalissom de Almeida.
A. Sanyang scored in the 80th minute, and D. Koy Lupano added an own goal moments later, before M. Sego completed the scoring in the 82nd. The final tally showed 13 free kicks for Hajduk against 18 for the visitors, highlighting the disruption Žalgiris struggled to create. The Croatian side remained disciplined, picking up no cards while committing 19 fouls.
Match Statistics:
Hajduk Split: Attacks 119, Shots on target 7, Possession 63%, Corners 7
Žalgiris Vilnius: Attacks 71, Shots on target 1, Possession 37%, Corners 5
The result moves Hajduk closer to the business of the qualifying campaign. A sell-out crowd at Stadion Poljud witnessed a performance that suggested the hosts were ready for the next round. Žalgiris, meanwhile, face the prospect of another European exit following their 5-2 defeat in the first leg earlier this month.