Croatian clubs Hajduk and Varaždin have announced their opponents in the 2nd preliminary round of qualification for the UEFA Conference League for the 2025/26 season. With the draw held in Nyon, Hajduk drew Azerbaijan’s Zira, while Varaždin will play against Portugal’s Santa Clara.
Hajduk Split vs. Zira (Azerbaijan)
First match:
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
Location: Azerbaijan (Baku)
Time: 17:30 Croatian time
Return match:
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Location: Poljud Stadium, Split
Time: 21:00
Zira was the runner-up of Azerbaijan last season and knocked out Osijek in the third preliminary round of the Conference League after penalty kicks. The value of the Zira team is estimated at 13.6 million euros, while Hajduk is worth 43.6 million euros. Hajduk was seeded in the draw and is expected to be the favorite in this match.
Varaždin vs. Santa Clara (Portugal)
First match:
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Location: City Stadium, Varaždin
Time: 20:00
Return match:
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Location: Estádio de São Miguel, Azores (Ponta Delgada, Portugal)
Time: 22:00 Croatian time
Varaždin is playing its first European appearance in the club’s history. Santa Clara is the fifth team in the Portuguese league from last season, known for its technically polished game and solid defense. The club from the Azores is worth around 39 million euros, and the return trip will be one of the longest for the Croatian club (more than 3,500 km).
| GAME | FIRST LEG | SECOND LEG |
|---|---|---|
| Zira – Hajduk | July 23rd, Baku | 31. 7. (Split) |
| Varaždin – Santa Clara | July 24th, Varaždin | 31. 7. (Azori) |
Additional notes
Hajduk and Varaždin have genuine chances to advance, but they face demanding opponents and long journeys ahead.
The first matches will be played on July 23 and 24, with the return matches scheduled for July 31, 2025.
In the event of a passing score, the draw for the third preliminary round will be held on July 21.
These matches represent a significant challenge for both Croatian clubs on the European scene, and fans are eagerly awaiting their teams’ European performances.
