Analysts Reveal Tactics for Hajduk Against Žalgiris
Mate Grbeša from the Iza Pjace podcast detailed the Lithuanian opponent and advised Split side on how to secure victory in the third qualifying round of the Conference League.
Mate Grbeša from the Iza Pjace podcast detailed the Lithuanian opponent and advised Split side on how to secure victory in the third qualifying round of the Conference League.
After the defeat to Pafos, Hajduk cannot afford another slip-up. Their European journey continues in the third qualifying round of the Conference League, with the first obstacle being Lithuania's most decorated club, FK Žalgiris. Unlike Kauno Žalgiris, whom Dinamo dismantled 5-0, this is a much older and more iconic club, which even confused UEFA during the official draw.
Telesport's author Juraj Vrdoljak and analyst Mate Grbeša from the Iza Pjace podcast have studied the Lithuanian opponent's game and offered a recipe for victory. The key message is clear: Hajduk must take risks and play boldly.
Grbeša emphasizes that Žalgiris is a highly cohesive team. "They are a very team-oriented side. The striker, wingers, everyone participates in the combination play," said the analyst. The Lithuanians play a variation of the 4-3-3 formation that morphs into 4-1-4-1 in defense, building their game through Croatian center-back Petar Bosančić. "With his left foot, he looks for vertical passes," Grbeša explained.
Alongside Bosančić, Žalgiris features two other familiar faces from the Croatian league: former Gorica player Paulius Golubickas at right-back and ex-Hajduk midfielder Marko Capan. However, Grbeša does not expect Capan to start the match, as the arrival of Ukrainian playmaker Stanislav Bilenki has relegated him to the bench.
The analyst warns of danger on the right side: "Full-backs push forward, especially the right-back. Former Gorica player Paulius Golubickas cuts inside from the right wing, opening space for the full-back, so statistically they have more crosses from the right side." Besides Bilenki, Hajduk should keep an eye on Serbian striker Nikola Petković and explosive left winger Bryan Teixeira, who prefers combination play over hugging the touchline.
"Because they are so strong between the lines, they are the best in the Lithuanian league in terms of shots from distance and attempts to slip balls behind the opponent's back line," Grbeša added. However, it is precisely in their play from the back that lies an opportunity for the Split side.
Grbeša advises a high press as a key weapon. "Žalgiris tends to build from the back. You absolutely must press them there because they make unforced errors. Given that the Lithuanians do not have the offensive arsenal that Pafos had, Hajduk should push high and take the risk of long balls and through balls. Michele Šego and Dalisson de Almeida should cause them problems," the analyst stated.
Another weakness for Žalgiris is in transition. Their center-back Bosančić often steps into midfield but does not recover well and struggles to defend space behind him. Hajduk's center-backs should also exploit the unusual way Petković presses the back line, to shake him off and create a numerical advantage. Gonzalo García's entire team must persist in quick transitions, which Žalgiris often struggles with.
Vrdoljak and Grbeša conclude that the Split side must come out boldly, even at the cost of conceding a goal. The full podcast with detailed statistics and a look at the Lithuanian opponent's history is available on streaming platforms.
