Croats see chances against Ajax in Conference League duel

While droplets from the Poljud Stadium in Split last week still left wet traces, Ajax is preparing for a crucial Conference League duel against Hajduk Split on Thursday, after the club recently lost points again in the Eredivisie. The Johan Cruijff Arena is no longer seen by Croatians as an impregnable fortress.

Croatian media see chances

From Croatia, the focus turned to Amsterdam, where Ajax is based, because the team will face Hajduk Split on Thursday at the start of the competition phase of the Conference League. The Croatians believe that the recent loss of points in the Eredivisie makes the Amsterdam side vulnerable and see realistic chances to break the impregnable reputation of the Johan Cruijff Arena.

Jutarnji list described Ajax's draw against NEC as “a reason to be optimistic”. “Ajax keeps squandering points in its own competition. This was another disappointing match for the club, just a few days before the away game against Hajduk Split,” the newspaper said, also noting that the club has only beaten Willem II in five home matches.

The newspaper added that “the Johan Cruijff Arena was once an impregnable fortress, but this stage no longer instills fear in opponents this season.” After an equaliser against NEC, it turned out that the attacks progressed too slowly, allowing the opponent time to rebuild the defence.

Tadić’s Ajax comparison ignites NEC fan outrage ahead of Amsterdam clash

Problems at Poljud Stadium

24 sata reported that Poljud Stadium, where Thursday's match will be played, was already the setting on Saturday for a competition match against Dinamo Zagreb. Heavy rain caused water to drip from the ceiling and completely soaked the pitch, making “footballing virtually impossible”. Commentators reported that water fell on their equipment and they had to protect themselves with an umbrella while they were under a roof.

The pitch will have a little more time to recover before Thursday's match, the reporters said.

Vecernji list did not comment on the dramatic circumstances in Split, but called it “Drama in Amsterdam”. “Ajax again without a win heading into the duel with Hajduk. The club disappoints its fans again at home,” the newspaper wrote.

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

For both Ajax and Hajduk this is not the first European match of the season. Ajax survived three two-legged ties against FK Vojvodina, Shelbourne and FC Sion, while Hajduk played four different qualifying rounds. After a knocked‑out Europa League run, the Croatians reached the third UEFA tournament via Zalgiris and Raków Częstochowa.