ŽNK Mura Women opened their UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying campaign with a narrow but hard-fought 2-0 defeat at home to a composed ZNK Hajduk Split Women side on 8 August 2026. The Slovenian champions pushed their Croatian visitors deep into the contest, but Hajduk's clinical edge in the final third ultimately proved decisive in a match that lived up to the competitive billing of a regional derby.

Match overview

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Mura started brightly and looked to impose themselves through early pressing. However, Hajduk Split gradually took control of the midfield and punished the hosts on the counter-attack. The away side's opening goal arrived before the interval, changing the rhythm of the game and forcing Mura to commit more bodies forward after the break.

Key moments

• First-half breakthrough: Hajduk Split capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range, giving the visitors a vital away goal in the two-legged tie.
• Second goal on the break: Mura pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but Hajduk sealed the victory with a well-worked counter-attacking finish in the closing stages.
• Late pressure from Mura: The Slovenian side won a series of corners and free kicks in the final ten minutes, yet Hajduk's defense held firm to keep a clean sheet.

Tactical story

Mura attempted to build play through wide areas, but Hajduk Split's compact block made it difficult for the hosts to create clear-cut chances. The Croatian side was happy to absorb pressure and exploit the space behind Mura's full-backs, an approach that paid off with two highly efficient goals. Mura's midfield worked tirelessly, yet the final pass too often let them down when it mattered most.

Standout performers

Hajduk Split's goalkeeper made several important saves to preserve the shutout, while their attacking duo caused constant problems with sharp movement off the ball. For Mura, the captain delivered a strong defensive display and the young winger offered the team's most dangerous moments in the final third.

What this means

With a two-goal advantage, Hajduk Split Women now hold the upper hand ahead of the return leg in Croatia. Mura will need a vastly improved conversion rate in front of goal to overturn the deficit, but their spirited performance suggests the tie is not yet fully decided. For Hajduk, this disciplined away display provides the perfect platform for progression in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying rounds.