Hajduk's juniors took the bronze after a dramatic 11th-round game against Benfica, the Ivy League champion of the White

Young Croatian footballers from Hajduk Split secured bronze at the 23rd edition of the Mladen Ramljak Memorial Tournament with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Portuguese side Benfica. The match took place at Maksimir Stadium, on a pitch named after former player Luka Modrić, in front of approximately 200 spectators. The game ended 1–1 in regular time, with the decisive moment coming in the penalty shootout, where Hajduk’s goalkeeper Ivelja Pavičić proved crucial. The tournament saw several notable results. In the battle for seventh place, Belgian club Club Brugge defeated Italian team Bologna 3–0, while Spanish side Athletic Bilbao edged out Juventus 4–2 in the fight for fifth position. Hajduk’s achievement marked the second consecutive appearance of a Croatian team among the top three, highlighting the strength and depth of youth talent within the country's football system. From the outset, Hajduk’s young squad controlled much of the play. They created early chances, with Ante Bralić coming close in the tenth minute, his shot narrowly missing the right post. Benfica responded through Santos and Martim Gomes, who both fired from distance, but Hajduk’s goalkeeping was solid, particularly from Ivelja Pavičić, who made two key saves. The score remained tied at halftime despite the high temperature in Zagreb, which affected the pace of play. In the second half, Hajduk took control again, with Ilija Kutia scoring in the 35th minute. He capitalized on a rebound after a blocked shot, striking the ball powerfully from outside the box to beat Benfica’s goalkeeper Antonio Luis. However, Benfica equalized just before halftime through Hugo Gomes, who scored from range after a defensive error. Both teams continued to push for a winner in the final minutes, though neither could find a decisive strike. Maglica missed a chance for Hajduk, and Almeida failed to convert a free kick for Benfica, leading to the penalty shootout. The shootout became a tense affair, with Pavičić Ivelja emerging as the hero. He saved Correiro’s initial attempt, then denied Beidenegl, before finally sealing the win for Hajduk with a spot-kick from Gashi. The result ensured Hajduk finished third overall, marking another successful outing for Croatia’s youth teams at the prestigious event. The match featured a number of standout performances. Hajduk’s defense held firm throughout, with Pavičić Ivelja making critical interventions. Bralić and Gashi were booked during the game, while Benfica’s lineup included players such as Luis, Santos, and Gomes. The referee was Luka Slišković, with assistants Ivan Marić, Petar Šimić, and Lovro Denić. The fourth official was Lovro Denić. Both teams fielded their under-18 squads, with Hajduk coached by Hari Vukas. The tournament continues to serve as a platform for promising talents, offering them valuable experience against international competition. With the success of Hajduk and other Croatian teams, the future of Croatian football appears bright, built on the foundations laid by these young athletes.