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Zilina vs Hajduk Split: prediction and odds

Europe Europa League · Europe · 16 July 2026
Zilina logoZilina
2:1
1st half: 0:1
16.07.2026 19:30
Hajduk Split logoHajduk Split

Match events

20′
🟨Simun Hrgovic
30′
🟨Alek Van Hoorebeek
45+2′
0:1Alek Van Hoorebeek
Marko Roginić1:1
52′
Xavier Rodrigue Adang Mveng🟨
67′
Andrei Florea🟨
90′
Dario Melnjak2:1
90+1′

Match statistics: Zilina vs Hajduk Split

ZilinaHajduk Split
53Ball possession, %47
9Shots7
1Shots on target5
4Corners4
16Fouls12
1Offsides1
2Yellow cards2
0Red cards0
86Attacks79
49Dangerous attacks38

💡 Match preview Zilina vs Hajduk Split

Žilina’s youthful side—average age of the starting XI just 24.2 years—find themselves in a daunting hole. After a 2–0 defeat in Croatia, the Slovaks must overturn the deficit at home against a pragmatic Hajduk Split. Can the inexperienced hosts draw strength from the home crowd and a more adventurous approach to salvage the tie?

Tactical Analysis: Žilina’s Struggles

The start of this European campaign offered little hope for Žilina. During the off-season, an already young squad—only three players over 30 in the entire roster—lost several key men without adequate replacements. The most painful departure was defender Tomáš Jasso. In the first leg against Hajduk, the starting lineup featured six players under 22, most of whom had been playing for the B team the previous season. Against a more technically polished Croatian side, they had few answers; the visitors peppered their goal with 14 shots, five on target.

The attacking department is equally barren. Michal Faško, who scored 14 goals in the 2025/26 season, remains goalless. Striker Marko Roginić is ineffective—he was demoted to Žilina B last season—and the supporting role falls to 20-year-old František Kosa. These struggles are a continuation of a disastrous end to last season. The team lost four of their final five matches, including home defeats where they were favourites: 0–1 to Slovan and 0–2 to Železiarne Podbrezová. Their home record in Europe is also poor. In the 2025/26 qualifying rounds, they lost 1–3 at home to Poland’s Raków, and that was with a more experienced side.

Tactical Analysis: Hajduk Split’s Growing Cohesion

The Croatian vice-champions underwent a revamp before the 2026/27 season. Several veterans left, replaced by younger players with top-flight experience. In the first leg against Žilina, only one Hajduk starter was over 30, and six were under 25. Age proved no barrier. Thanks to a slightly higher quality of young talent, the team executed a perfect defensive performance, allowing just one shot on target. Notably, two of the four defenders—van Huerenbeek and Akapandie—were debutants, yet they made no errors.

However, Hajduk have struggled in away European matches in recent years. In 2025/26, they lost 1–3 to Albania’s Dinamo City after a home win. In 2024/25, they failed to score against Slovakian side Ružomberok (0–0), and the year before that they squandered a home advantage in a 0–3 loss at PAOK. Ahead of the return leg, coach Gonzalo García stated that the team would play defensively and with discipline to minimise any risk.

Referee: Horatiu Fesnic (Romania)

In the 2025/26 season, the Romanian official took charge of 34 matches, establishing himself as a strict enforcer. He averaged 5.36 yellow cards per game and recorded 30.3 fouls per match. He sent off a player in every third fixture and awarded a penalty 20 times across those 34 games.

Prediction and Bet

Main prediction: It will be extremely difficult for Žilina to even draw this match. The Slovakian squad is composed of players with minimal senior experience and no European pedigree. Their defenders are mostly under 25. In Croatia, the defence made errors, and now, forced to chase the game, they will leave even more space at the back—a task their youngsters are highly unlikely to handle. Žilina’s winless run stretches back to last season and now stands at seven matches across all competitions. They struggle going forward (five goalless games in that span) and at the back (six matches with goals conceded).

The psychological edge belongs to Hajduk, who hold a comfortable lead. They will sit deep, their backline is growing more cohesive with each game, and their attackers are in good form. Almeida scored in the first leg, while Michele Šego (three goals in three summer friendlies) and the experienced Marko Livaja (a threat off the bench) provide further options. Considering all factors, we take Hajduk to win at 2.17.

Total goals prediction: Expect a low-scoring affair. We have already covered Žilina’s attacking woes: in their last seven matches, they failed to score five times and only once managed two goals. Hajduk’s coach has already stated the team will focus on defensive solidity, so do not expect early attacking urgency from the Croats. It makes sense to back under 2.5 goals at 1.89.

Match odds Zilina vs Hajduk Split

Result (1X2)

X3.513.1422.22

Double chance

1X1.66X21.36121.31

Both teams to score

No2.03Yes1.68

Over

11.0221.4132.46450.51.011.51.242.51.883.534.55.7

Under

18.422.6731.4841.120.59.61.53.462.51.913.51.314.51.08

Handicap 1

02.2311.2721.03-15.21.51.172.51.02-1.56.1

Handicap 2

01.6111.1-13.15-27.41.51.06-1.54-2.58.1

Correct score

0:09.10:17.80:2110:3221:09.71:16.251:28.61:317.751:4462:016.52:110.752:213.252:3273:0383:1273:233

To qualify

18.921.03

Predictions for Zilina vs Hajduk Split

CO Chinedu Ogundipe Under 2.5odds 2.00 Lost

I'm backing under 2.5 goals in this match. Slovakia's clear struggles to finish their attacks make this the most logical and solid bet.

BS Biodun Sowole Handicap 2 (0)odds 1.66 Lost

Hajduk handled Žilina with ease at home. On the road, they won't let up — they'll stay sharp and close out the match.

IB Ikechukwu Bello Team 1 over 1.5odds 2.54 Won

I confidently expect to see effective comeback attempts from Zhilina. The logic is clear: she will push hard to recover from any deficit, and those efforts should translate into scoring opportunities.

HO Hauwa Olawale Under 1 (1st half)odds 1.93 Void

I'm confident these teams won't score any goals in the first half. The pattern in their recent matches supports this—low first-half activity and strong defensive setups make a goalless opening period the most likely outcome.

ZA Zainab Adeyemi Under 2.5odds 1.91 Lost

I'm predicting the under, but this is a two-way market. Surprises can fire off unexpectedly, so stay sharp.

BO Blessing Okoro Corners: Result: 2odds 2.72 Lost

I believe Hajduk Split will outperform Žilina when it comes to corner kicks. They have a clear edge in set-piece execution and attacking aerial play, which should translate into more corners and better opportunities from them. Žilina, on the other hand, struggles to defend corners consistently, making this a strong bet in Hajduk's favor.

OA Oluwaseun Akintola Result: 2odds 2.33 Lost

I'm confident Hajduk will take the win here. They don't need to push themselves to the limit—they have enough quality and control to secure the victory without maximum effort. The result is still in their favor, and that's what matters for this bet.

FB Funke Bello Result: 2odds 2.32 Lost

I believe the Croats have a clear class advantage over the hosts and will prove it again—they've already shown they can win, and I'm confident they'll do it once more.

AE Amara Eze Yellow cards: Result: 1odds 3.45 Lost

I'm backing this team to win the yellow card count. The game is going to be a physical, rough affair, and they'll be the ones racking up more bookings.

JA John Akintola Result: 2odds 2.30 Lost

I'm confident Hajduk Split will take the win against Žilina. Their squad is simply stronger, and they're in better form heading into this match.

MB Mercy Balogun Under 2odds 2.71 Lost

I’m confident that selecting this result is a perfectly reasonable choice. My assessment stands on solid ground, and I see no reason to doubt the outcome.

CO Chinedu Olaniyan Under 2odds 2.71 Lost

I predict that the exchange rate will remain stable in March, and it will be easier to maintain the current level.

ZS Zainab Sani Result: 2odds 2.27 Lost

I'm confident Hajduk Split will secure an away victory over Zilina. They are the stronger side, and I expect them to prove it on the pitch.

UI Uche Igwe Result: 2odds 2.24 Lost

Hajduk Split are absolutely taking this match on the road today. They have the quality and form to dominate away from home, and I see no reason they don't walk away with all three points. Backing them to win is the clear call.

WA Wale Abdullahi Both teams to score — Noodds 2.05 Lost

I'm backing Under 0.5 Goals for Žilina. Hajduk will sit deep and defend—the ball isn't on their side, and unlike Žilina, they don't need to chase a result. That means the Croatians will be ultra-focused at the back, making it very unlikely this inexperienced, young squad finds the net.

PI Precious Ibe Result: 2odds 2.22 Lost

I’m confident the away team will close out the match and advance. Another win is coming.

GA Grace Anyanwu Result: 2odds 2.24 Lost

Tonight, all football fans are waiting for the return legs of European cup ties. In the Europa League second qualifying round, Slovakia's Zilina will try to level the tie against Croatia's Hajduk Split on home turf. The visitors won the first leg 2-0, and they'll aim to avoid defeat. My prediction: Zilina haven't won any of their last 5 matches, losing 2 and drawing 3, so I'm confidently backing a Hajduk Split away win.

Zilina just started their regular season but look unimpressive, even at home. They're an inconsistent opponent. Hajduk Split, on the other hand, clearly outclass them. Though they haven't started their league campaign yet, they've played friendlies and are on a 5-match winning streak. Hajduk's reputation carries weight—they're regulars in European competitions, even if they rarely go far.

OS Olusegun Shehu Over 3.5odds 2.96 Lost

I'm confident the second leg will be a more open and attacking match, so I'm betting on over 3.5 total goals. The first game's flow and adjustments suggest both teams will push for a result, leading to higher scoring chances.

KL Kingsley Lawal Result: 2odds 2.25 Lost

I confidently predict that Hajduk will win the away match against Žilina. With a strong home victory already secured, Žilina will be forced to play as the aggressor, opening up space for Hajduk to exploit on the counter. I believe Hajduk will capitalize on this tactical shift and secure the win.

AW Amina Waziri Result: 2odds 2.25 Lost

I'm backing Hajduk Split to steamroll their opponent with ease. Their superior class and current form make this a straightforward win—they'll dominate from the first whistle and put the game to bed early. No doubt about it, this is a comfortable victory.

NO Nneka Obiora Over 3.5odds 2.96 Lost

I'm confident this match will be high-scoring. Both teams have been conceding plenty, and the first game clearly showed that the second could be just as productive.

EY Emmanuel Yusuf Over 3odds 2.43 Void

I'm confident Hajduk will score at least a couple of goals here, and the home side might chip in as well. This match has all the makings of a high-scoring affair, so I'm backing the over.

DA Dele Adekunle Result: 2odds 2.27 Lost

I'm confident Croatia will win this match. They simply look the better side right now, with stronger form and a more cohesive squad. I expect them to control the game and take the win.

BB Blessing Balogun Result: 1odds 3.13 Pending

I predict exact scores in football with massive odds, and my track record proves it. I'm a top-rated analyst, multiple-time winner of predictor rankings, and I guarantee results. I've helped many earn huge profits—I made nearly 768 thousand in a week myself. This is a confident, proven approach.

JS John Salami Result: 2odds 2.24 Lost

I'm betting on Hajduk to win this match. The team is simply a class above their opponent.

IO Ifeanyi Ogunleye Result: 2odds 2.13 Lost

I'm confident Hajduk will win. Both teams field young players, but Hajduk's are more experienced and skilled—their quality simply overpowers Žilina's hustle and desire.

PO Peter Ogunleye Handicap 1 (0)odds 2.34 Won

Zilina is forced to chase the game, but I'm confident they'll avoid defeat—at minimum, they won't lose.

CS Chidinma Shehu Result: 2odds 2.13 Lost

I'm betting on the Croatian club to win the return leg as well. Their performance gives me confidence to go with the same outcome again.

GA Gift Akintola Result: 2odds 2.13 Lost

I'm confident that Hajduk has already secured their place in the next round. The performance and advantage they've built make this outcome a near certainty. Betting on Hajduk to win in regular time is the clear call here.

RE Ronke Ekwueme Corners: Under 9.5odds 1.80 Won

I think today's match will be a tough one, but I don't expect a lot of corners.

FA Faith Abiodun Corners: Team 1 over 5.5odds 2.07 Lost

I predict Hajduk will dig in deep on their own half, leading to a high volume of corner kicks.

SA Stella Adamu Under 1 (1st half)odds 1.95 Void

I'm confident there will be no goals in the first half. The defensive setups and slow start from both sides make a scoreless opening period the most likely outcome.

UA Usman Anyanwu Under 0.5odds 9.90 Lost

I'm betting on under 0.5 goals here, and I'm confident about it. The sweet coefficient makes this even more appealing—it's a clear signal that the odds are in my favor. My analysis points to a low-scoring affair, likely ending 0-0 or 1-0 at most, but I'm leaning hard toward the former.

The defensive setups and recent form suggest goals will be scarce. I've seen this pattern before, and the numbers back it up. This is a sharp play, not a gamble.

DB David Bankole Result: Xodds 3.52 Lost

I'm confident that Zilina and Hajduk Split will draw in the second leg of their Europa League qualifier. Both sides are evenly matched and will play cautiously, making a stalemate the most likely result.

CA Chibuzo Adekunle Double chance: 1Xodds 1.70 Won

I believe Zilina has a solid chance of avoiding defeat at home, as long as they don't get caught out on the counterattack. The key is staying disciplined defensively and not allowing too many transition opportunities.

JK Joseph Kalu Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.69 Won

I'm confident there will be goals in this match. Both teams are aggressive in attack and have shown defensive vulnerabilities lately, so I expect at least a few clear chances to be converted.

This is a straightforward bet on the over – the dynamics and recent form point to an open game with plenty of scoring opportunities. No need to overthink it.

AB Aisha Bello Corners: Team 2 over 4.5odds 2.14 Lost

I’m backing the away side to earn at least 5 corners in this match. Their attacking style and set-piece threat make this a strong bet.

GY Godwin Yusuf Team 2 over 1.5odds 2.10 Lost

I expect Croatia to score two goals in this match—they have the quality to deliver that kind of performance.

CL Chidinma Lamido Under 2.5odds 1.91 Lost

I'm betting on a low-scoring match because Croatia will prioritize defensive stability and control. They have a history of grinding out results when needed, and against this opponent, they're likely to slow the tempo and limit chances. Expect a tight, disciplined performance where goals are at a premium.

BD Babatunde Danjuma Corners: Team 2 under 4odds 1.87 Void

I predict Hajduk will protect their two-goal lead from the first leg and won't press forward often. That means the visitors will struggle to earn many corner kicks.

BE Blessing Emenike Under 3.5odds 1.31 Won

I have no comments. My prediction is clear and stands without further explanation.

YN Yemi Nwosu Team 1 over 1.5odds 2.70 Won

I'm backing Zilina to score at least two goals against Hajduk Split. They have a strong home record and should exploit defensive gaps in the Hajduk backline. The 2.70 odds offer excellent value for this bet.

MO Musa Ogundipe Under 2.5odds 1.91 Lost

I predict this match between Žilina and Hajduk will be a low-scoring affair. Both teams tend to be cautious in the early stages of European qualifiers, and I don't expect an open, high-tempo game. Defensive organization will be the priority, so I'm betting on under 2.5 goals.

JA Joy Abubakar Over 2.5odds 1.88 Won

I expect at least three goals in this match, so I'm confidently betting on over 2.5.

HO Halima Okoro Result: 1odds 3.14 Won

I'm confident Zilina will win at home against Hajduk and keep their qualification hopes alive. Playing on their own pitch gives them a clear edge, and they have the quality to secure the result they need.

HO Hauwa Onyeka Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.63 Lost

I expect goals early in the match. I'm betting on over 1.5 goals in the first half.

CO Chukwuma Olawale Over 3odds 2.46 Void

I believe this matchup will see plenty of goals, with both teams finding the net. The attacking firepower on display makes a high-scoring affair almost inevitable.

EM Emmanuel Musa Team 2 over 1.5odds 2.12 Lost

I'm confident that Hajduk Split will win this match against Žilina. The Croatian side has the stronger squad and better form, making the away victory the clear outcome.

EE Emeka Emenike Under 2.5odds 1.91 Lost

I’m betting on under 2.5 goals in this match. Zilina need to overturn a 2-0 deficit, but they simply don’t have the attacking firepower to do it. Their squad is extremely young after summer transfers, and they managed just one shot on target in the first leg. Hajduk’s coach has already said they’ll stay disciplined and defensive — a 0-0 draw or even a narrow loss works perfectly for them. Zilina’s winless run is now seven games, with five of those ending without a goal. The risk of an early goal always exists, but the structural reality here is a tight, positional battle where the visitors protect their lead and the hosts struggle to break through. Under 2.5 goals is the clear, logical play.

Match poster

Zilina vs Hajduk Split — odds