- Pafos have won 3 of their last 5 home fixtures (D1, L1).
- Hajduk have won none of their last 5 away fixtures (D3, L2).
- Both sides have the same form record in all competitions over the last 10 games (W4, D3, L3).
Pafos will need to play their best to progress
Pafos FC head into Thursday's home second-leg fixture with Hajduk Split as 18/25 odds-on favourites to progress from UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026, but Hajduk's 2-0 advantage from last week means the odds should be a little closer and this one could be cagey and tense.
Hajduk have drawn 3 and lost 2 of their 5 away trips across all competitions in 2026, so they look a lot shorter than they should be on the odds of 82/25. The draw is also a bit short at 29/10, even though both clubs will be eyeing it to keep their chances of progressing alive.
Hajduk can hold their own against Pafos
Pafos boss Ricardo Sa Pinto was appointed on 29 April 2026 and has instilled a defensive discipline and compactness in his team, which Hajduk boss Gonzalo Garcia - in charge since 1 July 2025 - has not been able to replicate.
The visitors play a 4-2-3-1 system, but their style of play is a total contrast to that of Pafos, who also play a 4-2-3-1. Hajduk try to press high, and attack vertically with lots of through balls, while Pafos sit deep and try to soak up the pressure before countering.
This contrast of styles should suit the visitors more as the more positive side, and Hajduk will try to set up camp in Pafos' third of the pitch and play on the front foot.
Expect a tight second-leg
Pafos have gone 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in their last 5 matches across all competitions and 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in their last 5 at home, while Hajduk are 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last 5. That leaves a draw of some kind as the best way to go, but a goalfest is definitely expected at 39/50 Over 2.5 with Both Teams To Score - Yes at 3/4. Pafos have been solid at home this season, averaging 1.60 goals per game, and conceding just 0.80 per game. Hajduk have averaged just 0.80 goals per away game in all competitions, conceding 1.40 per, so they will be vulnerable in Cyprus and Pafos can make the most of it. Alec Van Hoorenbeeck has 1 goal in 3 matches in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 for Hajduk and will be a threat from the back line.
