Ajax loses point against NEC, Croatia sees chances for Hajduk Split

Ajax lost at home on Saturday evening to NEC 1‑1 and again dropped points, while the same evening the news in Croatia did not go unnoticed; Croatian media see opportunities for Hajduk Split at the start of the Conference League phase, a sharp contrast between Dutch disappointment and Southern hope.

Ajax's home blunder and criticism

Jutarnji list concluded after the draw that there is “a reason to be optimistic”, but at the same time the newspaper emphasized Ajax’s disappointing performance at home. The publication noted that the club has only beaten Willem II in five home matches since the opening of the Johan Cruijff Arena. The slow attacking play, which gave NEC time to reorganise the defence, was identified as the core problem.

Ajax has overcome three qualifying rounds this season, namely against FK Vojvodina, Shelbourne and FC Sion, to qualify for the group stage of the Conference League. Those successes now appear under pressure after the recent point loss to NEC.

Hajduk's chances and Poljud problems

Vecernji list headlined “Drama in Amsterdam” and suggested that Ajax is heading into the duel with Hajduk without a win again, which heightens the disappointment among the Amsterdammers. Nevertheless, the Croatian press, including Jutarnji list, sees chances for Hajduk Split at the start of the competitive phase of the Conference League, which begins on Thursday.

Conference League start: Ajax and FC Twente ready for first duel

24sata drew attention to the Poljud Stadium, where the match against Hajduk and Dinamo Zagreb recently took place under heavy rain. Water seeped through the roof and soaked the pitch, forcing commentators to protect their equipment with an umbrella while they were under a cover.

Hajduk has played four different two‑leg ties this season, after the club, following an earlier elimination in the Europa League via Zalgiris and Raków Częstochowa, reached the third UEFA tournament. The Croatians now hope to continue their European campaign in the Conference League.

Croats see chances against Ajax in Conference League duel

The contrast between Ajax’s domestic struggles and the optimistic expectations in Croatia underscores how the same European phase can generate different narratives. While Ajax seeks recovery, Hajduk Split is ready to take on the challenges in the wet Poljud.