Three Croatian clubs reach European play-offs for first time in nine years

Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split and Rijeka have all reached the play-offs of European competitions, marking the first time in nine years that Croatia will have at least three clubs competing in the final qualifying round before the league stage.

The last time Croatian club football had three or more representatives at this stage was in 2017.

Dinamo secured their place in the Champions League play-offs on Tuesday, while Rijeka and Hajduk continued their European campaigns with victories on Thursday.

Rijeka advanced to the Conference League play-offs after eliminating Finnish side Ilves 2-1 on aggregate in the third qualifying round. Hajduk went one step further with a commanding 9-2 aggregate victory over Lithuanian side Žalgiris, winning both legs to book their place in the final qualifying round.

Dinamo will host Norwegian side Viking in Zagreb on Tuesday, August 18, in the first leg of their Champions League play-off. The return leg is scheduled for August 26 in Stavanger, with a place in the Champions League league stage at stake.

In the Conference League play-offs, Rijeka will welcome Danish side FC Midtjylland on Thursday, August 20. The return leg will be played in Denmark the following Thursday.

Hajduk will also have home advantage in the first leg of their Conference League play-off, hosting Polish side Raków on Thursday, August 20. The return leg is scheduled for August 27 in Poland.

Of the four Croatian clubs that began their European qualifying campaigns, only Varaždin failed to advance. Dinamo, Hajduk and Rijeka have ensured that Croatia will once again have a strong presence in the decisive qualifying rounds of European competition.