Croatian clubs match nine-year European success, with Hajduk and Rijeka nearing Conference League group stage

Croatian football is celebrating a notable achievement in European competitions, with several clubs progressing to the playoff stages. This success echoes a similar performance from nine years ago, during the 2017/18 season, when Croatian teams last demonstrated such strength on the continental stage.

Hajduk Split and HNK Rijeka are particularly close to securing a place in the Conference League group stage, needing to win just two more matches. Hajduk advanced convincingly, defeating Žalgiris 4-0 at home to add to their first-leg lead, resulting in a dominant 9-2 aggregate victory. Rijeka also secured their progression by drawing away against Ilves in Finland, successfully defending their 1-0 first-leg advantage.

Adding to the positive results, Dinamo Zagreb secured a comprehensive victory over Kauno Žalgiris with a 7-1 aggregate score across two matches. This collective performance by the Croatian clubs marks a significant moment, bringing back memories of the 2017/18 season when three of the four Croatian representatives reached the fourth qualifying round of European tournaments, with all four playing in the final qualification round.

In the 2017/18 season, Rijeka reached the Champions League playoffs, ultimately losing to Olympiacos but qualifying for the Europa League group stage. Dinamo Zagreb had a mixed experience, drawing both legs against Skënderbeu Korçë and being eliminated on away goals. Hajduk faced a tough opponent in Everton, losing 2-0 away and drawing 1-1 at home. Osijek had eliminated PSV Eindhoven but was defeated by Austria Wien in the playoffs on away goals.

Currently, Dinamo Zagreb is the sole Croatian club guaranteed to compete in Europe this autumn. They are set to play Viking in the Champions League playoffs. A victory would see them enter the Champions League group stage, while a loss would place them in the Europa League group stage.