Hajduk out to save face against Inter

Facing an almost insurmountable three-goal deficit in their Europa League third qualifying round tie, Hajduk take on Inter today in the return match in Milan. Inter cruised to an easy 3-0 win over the bijeli in Split one week ago, meaning there’s realistically little more than pride for Hajduk to play for.

Hajduk fell behind after just 18 minutes in Split, and the Italian giants sealed the fixture with a second goal just before the break.

Clearly Hajduk goalkeeper Goran Blažević will need more support from his defense corps if Hajduk hopes to leave San Siro with a positive result. 

Photo: T. Dubravec/Cropix

Will Inter celebrate in Italy this time?

Despite last week’s defeat, Hajduk enter the game on an upbeat note – the bijeli scored four times in Sunday’s win at Zadar. The goal scoring spree put Hajduk at the top of the table for the first time in 686 days.

Franko Andrijašević had another strong outing for Hajduk. The defensive midfielder scored the winner and claimed player of the game honors for the second consecutive league game.

Hajduk ace Ante Vukušić also regained his scoring touch after being shut down in last week’s loss to Inter. Vukušić should be well rested — trainer Mišo Krstičević pulled him in the 60th minute of the Zadar game in order to give the scoring sensation every chance to showcase his skills in today’s rematch.

With the club in financial difficulty, Thursday’s game could be one of Vukušić’s last in a white jersey. The club has made no secret of its desire to sell Vukušić. Needless to say, both the club and the player will benefit tremendously if Vukušić finds the score sheet Thursday.