Both Hajduk and Osijek claimed victories last night in Croatia for the first-leg of the second qualifying round of UEFA Europa League.
HNK HAJDUK
HNK Hajduk Split faced Bulgarian rivals Levski last night at the stadium of NK Dugopolje as Poljud Stadium is occupied for ULTRA Europe this weekend.
The only goal of the match was ensured by Hungarian Marko Futacs who scored off of a penalty in the 24th-minute. The game ended 1:0 for Hajduk.
While Hajduk claimed the victory, the result does not mean that they can relax in the return match in Sofia - and the security of a second goal was crucial. Nonetheless, Hajduk had their fair share of opportunities and was the better team overall.
HNK Hajduk
The atmosphere in Dugopolje was as vibrant as ever and the clapping, chanting, and jumping of Hajduk supporters never came to a halt - we’re lucky that the light fixtures at the stadium remained intact! Had the game been played at Poljud, however, Hajduk just maybe would have come out with a stronger result.
Hajduk and Levski will face each other in Sofia next on Thursday, July 20th at 19:00.
NK OSIJEK
In Osijek at City Garden Stadium, NK Osijek was the favorite to win the first-leg of this round against FC Luzern from Swiss Lucerne. However, a worrying 0:0 score until well after halftime kept everyone on their toes.
Sure enough, Osijek managed to break the Swiss defense in the 66th minute and a goal by Ejupi gave the Croats the lead with 1:0.
NK Osijek
Osijek claimed a 2:0 victory after a goal by Grezda with ten minutes to go.
The return match between Osijek and Luzern will be played in Lucerne on Thursday, July 20th at 19:45.
