HNK Hajduk Split vs Rakow Czestochowa

Hajduk Split and Rakow Czestochowa served up a rollercoaster first leg at Stadion Poljud, sharing the points in a 2-2 draw that swung on a stoppage-time sting. The standout moment came right at the death, as Rakow snatched a leveler deep into added time after Hajduk had looked set to hold on for a home win. Hajduk struck first through Michele Sego in the 21st minute, only for Mahir Emreli to level things up for Rakow six minutes later. Dalisson de Almeida restored the hosts' lead early in the second half, in the 47th minute, and Hajduk looked to be closing in on a crucial advantage. But a 55th-minute red card for Ardian Pajaziti left the Croatians a man short, and they couldn't hold out, with Lamine Diaby-Fadiga equalizing in the 90th+5th minute. With the tie level heading into the second leg, both sides keep their European ambitions alive. Hajduk will feel it let a winning position slip after going down to ten men, while Rakow can take real confidence from digging out a late equalizer on the road, setting up a wide-open return fixture.