The 2019–20 Croatian Second Football League (also known as Druga HNL and 2. HNL) was the 29th season of the Croatian Second Football League, the second-level football competition for men's association football teams in Croatia, since its establishment in 1992. The season started on 16 August 2019 and ended on 6 May 2020.[1]
The league is contested by 16 teams and played in a double round robin format, with each team playing every other team twice over 30 rounds.
Teams
On 25 April 2019, Croatian Football Federation announced that the first stage of licensing procedure for 2019–20 season was completed. For the 2019–20 Druga HNL, clubs that were issued a second level license: BSK, Dinamo Zagreb II, Hajduk Split II, Kustošija, Međimurje, Osijek II, Sesvete, Šibenik. In the second stage of licensing procedure clubs that were not licensed in the first round appealed the decision.[2] On 25 May 2019, all remaining Druga HNL were granted second division license, along with third level clubs Cibalia, Croatia, Dubrava and Orijent 1919.[3]
Rudeš were relegated from the Prva HNL. Orijent 1919 and Dubrava were promoted from the Treća HNL West, Cibalia were promoted from the Treća HNL East and Croatia Zmijavci were promoted from the Treća HNL South.
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2020. Source: Druga-HNL.com Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored (at home if two teams tied); 5) Goal difference; 6) Goals scored; 7) Play-off (Note: Criteria 2-4 and 7 is only used if deciding champion, teams for promotion or relegation and in that case criteria 6 will not be used).[5] Notes:
^Dinamo Zagreb II, Hajduk Split II and Osijek II are ineligible for promotion
Updated to match(es) played on 8 March 2020. Source: Druga HNL(in Croatian) Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win. For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.