Garcia Sticks with Winning Formula: Here's Hajduk's Lineup
After a convincing triumph in Lithuania, Hajduk's coach has opted for the same starting eleven for the league clash against Istra 1961 at Poljud.
After a convincing triumph in Lithuania, Hajduk's coach has opted for the same starting eleven for the league clash against Istra 1961 at Poljud.
Hajduk finally returns to Poljud after three consecutive away games, where they will host Istra 1961 on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in the second round of the SuperSport HNL. The main news ahead of the match is coach Gonzalo García's decision to stick with the winning lineup.
As Germanijak reports, the Spanish tactician at the helm of the Whites has chosen the identical starting eleven that dismantled Lithuanian side Žalgiris 5:2 in the third qualifying round of the Conference League midweek. The winning formula from Lithuania thus earns trust in the domestic league as well.
Recall that Hajduk opened the new season with an away defeat to Varaždin, 1:2. The match against Istra therefore comes as an ideal opportunity for a rebound and securing the first league points in front of the home fans. The team aims to transfer the euphoria and positive vibes from Europe to the domestic scene.
On the other hand, Istra 1961 is also seeking their first victory. In the first round, they were beaten 2:3 at home by Lokomotiva, but according to Tportal, they are a young and potent squad that displayed good play and created numerous chances in that encounter. The visitors from Kantrida must not be underestimated.
According to Germanijak's information, these 11 players should take the Poljud pitch from the first minute:
Silić - Acapandie, Marešić, Van Hoorenbeeck, Hrgović - Pukštas, Pajaziti - Bamba, Dalisson, Šotiček - Šego
García is evidently pleased with what he saw in Lithuania and will once again test the system with two holding midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and a lone striker against the Pula top-flight side.
