Hajduk Split end a wait of more than 15 years for a major European group stage/league phase game here, giving this UEFA Conference League opener against four-time European champions Ajax extra significance.
Match News and Current Form
Hajduk could hardly be much better prepared for their first major European fixture since their disappointing 2010/11 Europa League campaign, having gone unbeaten in all nine home games this term (W7, D2). Saturday’s 2-1 Eternal Derby win over Dinamo Zagreb will have put fans in a buoyant mood, but they can’t get too carried away as the Whites have won just one of their last 25 major European matches (D9, L15). Having begun their European campaign in early July (W5, D1, L2), they’ll hope to carry their wider overall form into their Conference League debut, having lost just one of their last 13 competitive fixtures (W10, D2).
Ajax have fallen well behind Europe’s elite clubs since winning the fourth of their European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles in 1994/95, a demise perhaps best evidenced by the fact they currently sit fifth in the Eredivisie following back-to-back draws. Getting back on the road might work in the Dutch side’s favour as they’re unbeaten in competitive away fixtures this term (W5, D1), scoring at least twice in all six of those outings. Having also won their last two major European away games, they look well placed to make that three in a row for the first time since November 2021.
Head-to-Head History
Ajax won two of the four previous H2Hs (D1, L1) with none of those four meetings seeing both teams score. Hajduk are yet to concede against Ajax at home (W1, D1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Three of Hajduk’s last five matches produced exactly two first-half goals.
Hajduk scored 2+ goals in their last five European home games.
Ajax have scored in all 14 of their competitive fixtures this season, averaging over three goals per game.
Seven of Ajax’s last eight European away outings produced over 3.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Michele Šego has scored ten goals in 17 appearances for Hajduk this season, with six of those coming in Europe, and he’s opened the scoring in four of his last five goalscoring outings. Oscar Gloukh has netted in each of his last three major European appearances, with all five of his goals for Ajax this term arriving after half-time.
Roko Brajković and Ivica Ivušić sat out Hajduk’s win over Dinamo, while Ajax are without Kasper Dolberg following knee surgery.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Hajduk Split’s formidable home form means this could be a tougher game for Ajax than some might expect, so backing Hajduk/Draw in the double chance market looks tempting.
Author: John Pennington