Hajduk Split aims to take command of their Europa League second qualifying round matchup with another first-leg win at Stadion Poljud when they face Pafos FC on Thursday. The Croatian team capitalized on their home advantage in the previous round, securing a 3-2 aggregate triumph over Zilina, despite a loss in the second leg. Pafos FC reached this stage by clinching the 2025-26 Cypriot Cup. In the first qualifying round, Hajduk established their dominance with a 2-0 win over Zilina at home, then maintained their lead with a strong start in the return match last week. Gonzalo Garcia's team scored first in Slovakia through Alec Van Hoorenbeeck just before halftime, but Marko Roginic equalized for Zilina. A late own goal from Dario Melnjak allowed the hosts to win 2-1 on the night; however, Hajduk advanced on aggregate. This loss ended a seven-match unbeaten streak for Hajduk across all competitions. They finished second in the Croatian league after earning four points from their last two matches and winning all three of their pre-season friendlies. Fans are likely to remain optimistic despite the setback, as advancing brings Hajduk closer to their first appearance in a major European competition since their Europa League group stage in the 2010-11 season, and their Champions League quarter-final run in 1994-95. As they prepare for Thursday's match, Garcia's squad will be buoyed by winning their last three home games, each by a margin of at least two goals. Hajduk will look to establish a solid lead before heading to Cyprus for the return leg. Conversely, Pafos enters this match following a disappointing pre-season, having won only one of four friendlies, with losses to Jagiellonia (1-0) and Slovan Bratislava (3-2).