Europa League Draw: MSK Zilina to Face Hajduk Split in First Qualifying Round
MŠK Žilina will face Croatian club HNK Hajduk Split in the first qualifying round of the 2026/2027 UEFA Europa League, according to the draw held Tuesday at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The first leg is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, at the opponent’s stadium, with the return match taking place one week later, July 16, at the stadium under Dubňom.
Did You Know? MŠK Žilina previously encountered Hajduk Split during the 2009/10 Europa League third qualifying round, where the Slovak club advanced after a 1-0 victory and a 1-1 draw.
Context of the matchup
Hajduk Split remains one of Croatia’s most prominent clubs alongside Dinamo Zagreb. While they have secured six league titles, their last championship dates back to 2005. The club, currently managed by Spaniard Gonzalo García, has also claimed eight domestic cup titles and boasts a historical pedigree that includes reaching the semifinals of the UEFA Cup and the Cup Winners’ Cup.
MŠK Žilina earned their spot in the competition by winning the Slovak Cup, defeating Košice in the final. Their path to the trophy included victories over Podbrezová, Trenčín, Skalica, Senec, Zubrohlava, and Vysoká. The club is looking to improve upon their European performance from last year, when they were eliminated in the first qualifying round of the Conference League by Poland’s Rákow.
Historical stakes and potential outcomes
For Žilina, the competition represents a return to a stage where they previously achieved significant success. The club reached the UEFA Champions League group stage during the 2010/11 season and also qualified for the main phase of the UEFA Cup in 2008/09. A victory against Hajduk would mark a notable progression for the team, especially given the Croatian side’s recent struggles against Slovak opponents; Hajduk was eliminated by Ružomberok in the 2024/25 Conference League third qualifying round.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that while Hajduk Split carries a storied reputation, their recent track record against Slovak clubs suggests a vulnerability that Žilina could exploit. The outcome may hinge on the tactical approach implemented by Gonzalo García compared to the domestic momentum currently fueling the Slovak side.
Broader qualifying landscape
The Europa League qualifying rounds feature several high-profile clubs and coaching storylines. Notably, Hungarian side Ferencváros will face Serbian club Vojvodina. Ferencváros, currently coached by Slovak manager Balázs Borbély, is attempting to reclaim the top spot in their league after losing the title to a Győr side previously led by Borbély himself.
Other notable first-round pairings include:
- Dynamo Kyiv vs. Universitatea Cluj
- Karabach vs. Vestri
- CSKA Sofia vs. Derry City
- Šerif Tiraspoľ vs. Alumnij
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the matches against Hajduk Split take place?
The first leg is set for July 9 at the opponent’s stadium, and the return leg is scheduled for July 16 in Žilina.
How did MŠK Žilina qualify for this season’s Europa League?
They qualified by winning the Slovak Cup, where they defeated Košice in the final match.
What is the historical record between these two clubs?
The clubs met in the 2009/10 Europa League third qualifying round, with Žilina advancing after a 1-0 win and a 1-1 draw.
Could the recent history of Slovak clubs successfully eliminating Hajduk Split provide a psychological advantage for Žilina heading into the July fixtures?