Hajduk Split stun Ajax to end 16-year European drought

Hajduk Split made an impressive statement in their UEFA Conference League campaign, defeating Ajax 2-1 to claim their first major European victory in 16 years.

Abdoulie Sanyang opened the scoring in the 37th minute, finishing confidently after Marin Soticek won possession and created the opportunity. Ajax captain Davy Klaassen equalised shortly after halftime, firing into the roof of the net following Thilo Kehrer’s cross.

However, Hajduk quickly restored their advantage. Jofre Torrents’ misplaced backpass allowed substitute-like attacking pressure to develop, with Soticek capitalising to score the decisive goal.

Ajax pushed desperately for another equaliser, but Hajduk survived late pressure, including Oscar Gloukh’s effort against the crossbar.

The result gives Croatia’s league leaders valuable momentum in their pursuit of a knockout-stage place. Ajax, meanwhile, must regroup before hosting Atalanta next week in Amsterdam, with their European campaign already facing an early challenge.