Hajduk Bow Out of Europe: “I can’t fault them because they left their hearts on the pitch”

32,000 passionate Hajduk Split fans were unable to help propel their side into the UEFA Europa League group stages last night…

Czech side Slovan Liberec spoilt the party at Poljud stadium on Thursday night when they beat Hajduk Split 1-0 (2-0 aggregate) to knock the Croatians out of Europe.

Torcida created an incredible atmosphere but the Czechs responded in the best possible way when they went ahead in the 23rd minute. The goal meant that Hajduk would have to score three times, a task that was too big in the end.

(hajduk.hr)

“My side started well, but they scored with their first chance. Slovan are a good, tough side, but they are not better than us. We can learn from them how to control a match, how to dictate the tempo and that is where my players learnt a lesson tonight,” said Hajduk coach Damir Burić, before adding.

“My players gave it all, which I promised they would and I can’t fault them because they left their hearts on the pitch,” he said.