The Split side completely outplayed the Lithuanian club in the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round, with goals from Šego (twice), Pajaziti, Dalisson, and Pukštas.
Hajduk secured a convincing 5:1 away victory against Lithuanian side Žalgiris on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round. The Whites took a giant step toward the playoff round, continuing their European journey after being eliminated by Cypriot side Pafos in the Europa League qualifiers.
The match against the third-placed Lithuanian team, coached by 49-year-old Andrius Skerla, started perfectly for the Split side. In the 5th minute, Šotiček won a penalty, and Šego confidently converted, calmly slotting the ball into the middle of the goal for an early 0:1 lead.
The hosts refused to back down and managed to equalize in the 35th minute. Bilenkyi delivered a perfect through ball for Serbian striker Petković, who outpaced Marešić and beat goalkeeper Silić to make it 1:1. However, just nine minutes later, Hajduk regained the lead. After a foul by Bosančić on Pukštas about twenty meters from goal, Šego stepped up and curled a spectacular free-kick into the top corner for 1:2, just as he had done in the match against Pafos.
In the second half, Hajduk took complete control. In the 55th minute, Pukštas won a corner, and after a quick exchange with Šotiček, Pajaziti cut onto his right foot and unleashed a fantastic strike to make it 1:3. That goal effectively broke the hosts' resistance.
Coach Garcia strengthened the team further in the 67th minute, bringing on Livaja and Šutalo for goalscorer Šego and Bambu. Just five minutes later, Šutalo immediately made an impact with a brilliant assist for Dalisson, who finished from a tight angle into the far corner to make it 1:4. Pukštas sealed the final score in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a blocked pass and driving past Lupano to make it 1:5.
Interestingly, two former Hajduk players featured for Žalgiris: center-back Petar Bosančić and midfielder Marko Capan. Bosančić was booked in the 25th minute, while Capan came on in the 65th minute, replacing Lytvynenko. The referee for the match was Dutch official Marc Nagtegaal, with Richard Martens in charge of VAR.
Hajduk traveled to Vilnius without the injured Brajković, who underwent knee surgery, and goalkeeper Ivušić, who picked up an injury in training. Silić started between the posts and made several crucial saves during the match, including a brilliant stop from Kendysh's shot before the wall was even set.
The return leg will give Hajduk the chance to confirm their progress in front of their own fans, and this four-goal cushion provides plenty of reason for optimism.
