Shock at Stadion Poljud
Hajduk Split pulled off a major shock in the opening round of the 2026/2027 UEFA Conference League league phase. Playing at Stadion Poljud, Split, on Thursday (15/10/2026), the hosts defeated Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam 2-1.
The win is historic: it is Hajduk's first victory in a major European competition since September 2010, ending a 16-year drought. Abdoulie Sanyang's 37th-minute strike was even Hajduk's first European goal since December 2010.
Soticek's winner came shortly after Klaassen had equalized, sending Stadion Poljud into delirium.
How the Match Unfolded
Ajax nearly took an early lead through Tolu Arokodare, the striker on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, in the 7th minute. One-on-one with goalkeeper Toni Silic, his effort was denied by a heroic block from the retreating Dennis Hadzikadunic.
Hajduk broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. Marin Soticek won the ball from Davy Klaassen and burst into the Ajax box before squaring for Sanyang, who fired a low shot past Marc ter Stegen.
The Ajax captain did not have to wait long to make amends. Klaassen met a low cross from Thilo Kehrer and rifled the ball into the roof of the net to level the score. But Hajduk hit back immediately: Sego pounced on a dreadful backpass by Jofre Torrents and squared the ball for Soticek, who calmly slotted home the winner.
Hajduk have been in fantastic form at home in Europe, scoring two or more in each of their last five European home games. That trend continued tonight as the Croatians went back in front almost immediately after being pegged back.
Ajax Stumble at the Start
The defeat makes for a bitter start to Ajax's Conference League adventure under coach Míchel. Two avoidable individual errors proved decisive in Croatia.
Ajax must now bounce back immediately on matchday 2, when they host Atalanta at the Johan Cruijff ArenA next week, on paper one of the toughest opponents in this phase.
The win is also a sweet league-phase debut for Hajduk, who came through qualifying after eliminating Rakow Czestochowa 5-4 on aggregate in August.
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