Hajduk Split ease past NK Vardarac in Croatian Cup

Hajduk Split began their Croatian Cup campaign with a composed 2-0 away win against NK Vardarac on September 8, 2026. As expected, the top-flight side controlled possession and territory from the opening whistle, but Vardarac made them work for the victory with an organized, high-energy defensive display in a proper cup atmosphere.

The first goal arrived through sustained pressure, with Hajduk's wide attackers stretching the home defense and creating space between the lines. A well-timed run into the penalty area was rewarded with a low finish that gave the Vardarac goalkeeper no chance. That breakthrough settled the tie and allowed Hajduk to dictate the tempo at their own leisure.

Professional performance from the visitors

In the second half, Hajduk Split introduced fresh legs and continued to move the ball quickly across the pitch. Vardarac, despite sitting deeper, defended bravely and managed to keep the deficit to a single goal until the final 20 minutes. A well-executed corner then produced the decisive second goal, with the visiting central defender powering a header beyond the near post to make the result safe.

For NK Vardarac, the evening will be remembered as a valiant effort against one of Croatia’s most storied clubs. They created a couple of half-chances on the counter-attack but lacked the quality to truly trouble Hajduk Split's goalkeeper. For Hajduk, the result was the perfect response to a difficult domestic period — a clean sheet, minutes for squad players, and progression in a competition they have won multiple times before.

The Croatian Cup always carries a giant-killing narrative, and Vardarac will feel they could have made the night more uncomfortable for their famous opponents. Ultimately, though, Hajduk Split’s professionalism and class shone through when it mattered most.