Another two matches. That’s all that separates Maccabi Tel Aviv from the groups stages of the Europa League. Following the club’s 2:1 victory in the second leg against Pandurii, Shota Arveladze’s Yellow & Blue advanced to the playoff round of the European competition and will take on Croatian outfit Hajduk Split in a two-legged tie taking place on Thursday August 18th and 25th.

Following the draw with Croatian side Hajduk Split, Maccabi’s coach Shota Arveladze told the club’s official website: “So far we were drawn against clubs which were a logistic challenge to get to, this time we were drawn against one of Croatia’s big and famous clubs which is known for it’s atmosphere in the stadium. This time it will be a lot more than a logistic challenge as Hajduk is a very strong team, young and talented which had won all its matches so far this season”.

Know your opponent: Hajduk Split

The Croatian Club was founded in 1911 and had some fabulous seasons throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s when the country was still part of Yugoslavia. During the 1990’s Split advanced all the way to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. In 2010/11 the Croatian outfit was able to overcome some of its financial difficulties from the previous years to participate in the Europa League groups stages. Over the last two campaigns Split made it to the Europa League Playoff Round but could not advance further into the group stages.

Last season the club finished a distant third in their domestic league, well behind Dinamo Zagreb. The poor showing resulted in the departure of coach Damir Burić after only one campaign at the helm and was replaced by Marijan Pušnik this past summer.

Split is ranked 156 overall by UEFA and began their European campaign in Europa League second round qualifying and easily disposed of their Ukrainian and Romanian opponents. Domestically, the “Whites” have won their first two matches.

The club plays their home games at the 35,000 seat Stadion Poljud facility that is usually filled to the brim with their loyal fans.