Hajduk secures European autumn after 16 years, Pukštas scores in farewell win

Hajduk Split has achieved a long-awaited return to European competition, securing a spot in the autumn phase of a European tournament for the first time in 16 years. The Croatian club triumphed over Poland's Rakow in a dramatic playoff second leg, winning 3-2 after extra time to advance with a 5-4 aggregate score.

The match was particularly emotional for American midfielder Rokas Pukštas, who played his final game for Hajduk. Pukštas scored Hajduk's third goal, a fitting farewell strike before he transfers to English club Middlesbrough. The game itself was a tense affair, with Hajduk needing to show significant character and resilience to overcome Rakow's pressure.

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We knew it would be tough, but we fought and succeeded. It was hard to come back, Rakow had good energy. We never gave up, we showed mental strength, we were like a team.

"We knew it would be tough, but we fought and succeeded. It was hard to come back, Rakow had good energy. We never gave up, we showed mental strength, we were like a team," Pukštas told Dalmatinski portal after the match. He attributed the victory to divine intervention, stating, "God is good. We pray before every game. God gave us the victory. I cannot be prouder of how the team reacted and overcame all difficulties."

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God is good. We pray before every game. God gave us the victory. I cannot be prouder of how the team reacted and overcame all difficulties.

Pukštas, who spent six years with Hajduk, revealed he had turned down an earlier move to Middlesbrough to stay with the team for their European campaign. "It's hard, I spent six years here. They wanted me to come last week, I couldn't leave my brothers, I would die for the team today. The last game, this kind of ending, I will remember this match the most from Hajduk," he concluded, underscoring his deep connection to the club and his teammates.

Hajduk's qualification marks a significant achievement for the club, ending a lengthy drought in European play. For Pukštas, it provides a memorable send-off, capping his tenure with a crucial goal and a vital team victory.

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It's hard, I spent six years here. They wanted me to come last week, I couldn't leave my brothers, I would die for the team today. The last game, this kind of ending, I will remember this match the most from Hajduk.