Paphos vs Hajduk Split – News and Probable Lineups

Pafos FC will host Hajduk Split at the Alphamega Stadium on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League second qualifying round fixture.

The visitors hold a 2-0 advantage after their victory in the first leg, putting the home side in a challenging position to keep their Europa League dreams alive.

Match overview

Pafos earned their first spot in European competition during the 2024-25 season after clinching the Cypriot Cup in 2023-24, which secured them a berth in the Conference League.

They followed this with a historic qualification for the Champions League group stage in the 2025-26 season, after winning their first Cypriot First Division title in 2024-25.

Despite not managing to defend their league title, Pafos triumphed over Apollon Limassol 2-0 in the Cypriot Cup final last season, thus securing their return to the Europa League qualifiers this year.

Pafos initially built on their cup success with a win and a draw in their opening friendlies but later faced two consecutive defeats in their final pre-season matches.

This poor form continued into their opening match of 2026-27, where Hajduk Split secured a 2-0 win in the first leg of this Europa League second qualifying round tie.

As a result, Ricardo Sa Pinto’s team has a considerable task ahead if they wish to extend their Europa League journey, though they will gain confidence from playing at home.

Pafos have only lost three of their 16 home matches in European competition, which includes a 2-2 draw with Mônaco and a 1-0 win against Villarreal during last season’s Champions League group phase.

On the other hand, Hajduk Split will be in a strong position and brimming with confidence after their first leg success, with Michele Sego and Dario Melnjak’s goals bringing them closer to the third qualifying round.

Hajduk Split reached the second qualifying round following a 3-2 aggregate victory over MSK Zilina in the first round, having secured a critical 2-0 win at home in the first leg before losing 2-1 away.

The 2-1 defeat on the road against MSK Zilina has, however, added to a troubling trend, as Hajduk Split have not won any of their last five away matches in competitive fixtures, including two losses.

Additionally, Hajduk Split has a disappointing history in European qualifiers, failing to reach the group stage of any competition since the 2010-11 Europa League despite participating in the qualifying rounds each season for the following 15 years.

Team News

Pafos will be without Anderson Silva and Joao Correia due to ongoing injuries, but the rest of the squad should be available for selection.

Captain David Luiz is anticipated to remain in the defensive lineup, and Sa Pinto may opt for a back four as Pafos strives to get back into the contest following their first-leg setback.

Conversely, Hajduk Split will miss Roko Brajkovic, who is set to be sidelined for a lengthy period due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in training.

Brajkovic may be replaced by Abdoulie Sanyang Bamba on the right wing, while Dalisson de Almeida, Melnjak, and Sego are likely to retain their positions in attack.

Pafos FC probable starting XI:

Majecki; Bruno, Luiz, Goldar, Ioannou; Pepe, Sunjic; Jaja, Dragomir, Biel; Lele

Hajduk Split probable starting XI:

Silic; Acapandie, Maresic, Hoorenbeeck, Hrgovic; Pukstas, Pajaziti; Bamba, Dali, Melnjak; Sego

Pafos possesses an impressive home record in European competitions but is entering this match following three consecutive defeats, while Hajduk Split is experiencing a poor run of away results.

Consequently, we anticipate a fiercely contested match that is likely to end in a draw, with the visitors thus securing their advancement to the next round.