Hajudk lost 0:2 to Everton in Liverpool for the first leg of the Europa League playoffs.
Everton celebrated a 2:0 victory against Hajduk Split in Liverpool tonight for the first part of the Europa League playoffs.
Everton’s goals came in the 30th and 45th minute by Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye, leaving the score 2:0 at halftime.
Unfortunately, the match at Goodison could not pass without an incident by Torcida, and around the 35th minute, the referee called the game to a halt. While it was unclear exactly what happened, it seemed as if Torcida was provoked, forcing them to rush the nearby Everton fans in the stands. The game resumed a few minutes later.
The second half fared much better for Hajduk, and in the last 15 minutes of the match, Hajduk showed that they were there to play.
Everton's goalkeeper Pickford brilliantly defended two incredible shots by Ohandza and Memolla, and Erceg created dangerous situations in the box more than once. The missed opportunities for Hajduk, however, did not change the score of the match, and Everton managed to keep the net clean for a 2:0 win.
Hajduk showed that they were capable of playing against a respectable Premier League side tonight, but unfortunately, mistakes by Hajduk’s Vlašić and Savvas cost the team the game. Everton now has a significant advantage going into next week’s rematch in Split.
Fortunately, Everton did not look too impressive overall, and if luck is on Hajduk's side, there is a chance for a sweet victory in Split next week.
The two teams will face each other at Poljud on August 24, 2017.
