Raków’s European campaign has been built on defensive discipline, with three clean sheets in five matches, though they’ve shown a knack for late goals – 36% of their strikes coming in the final 15 minutes. Hajduk Split arrive with a formidable attacking record, averaging nearly f…
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Sign inRaków Częstochowa welcome HNK Hajduk Split to their usual Miejski Stadion Piłkarski Raków home in Częstochowa on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff round tie. The first leg in Split ended 2‑2, leaving the contest finely balanced with a group-stage place at stake.
Hajduk must plan without midfielder Adrion Pajaziti, sent off in the opening leg at Poljud, while forward Roko Brajković remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear. Raków boss Dawid Kroczek has reported no fresh injury concerns and could field the same side that earned the draw in Croatia.
The opening meeting at Stadion Poljud saw two attacking sides trade blows. Hajduk’s fluent forward line caused early problems, but Raków responded each time to leave the tie on a knife‑edge. The Polish club’s afternoon was highlighted by lively wing‑play from Michael Ameyaw and Jean Carlos, who repeatedly found space behind Hajduk’s full‑backs.
Kroczek’s men are protecting a seven-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, a sequence that has already carried them past Arda Kardzhali, Valletta and Hammarby in earlier qualifying rounds. Defensive organisation and the creativity of Erick Ouma from left‑back have been central to that resilience, and they have conceded only once at home during the run.
Head coach Gonzalo García has built a side that consistently finds the net – Hajduk struck 19 goals across their previous six home fixtures before the first leg. The main striking burden is shared by Mišel Šego and Rokas Pukštas, who have combined for eight goals this season. Even without Pajaziti, the visitors retain depth through Anđelo Šutalo and Dalisson in the forward areas.
Raków are expected to line up in their familiar 3‑4‑3, with Fran Tudor and Stratos Svarnas anchoring the defence and wing‑backs Ouma and Ameyaw tasked with both defensive cover and attacking width. How they handle Hajduk’s rapid counters – often sparked by Pukštas breaking from midfield – will likely determine who progresses. If Raków can compress the spaces behind their wing‑backs early on, they will limit the service to Šego.
With no away‑goals advantage in play, a draw after 90 minutes would send the tie into extra time. The victors will claim a place in the Conference League group phase, while the defeated side’s European journey ends agonisingly at the final hurdle.
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