The battle for the Croatian Second League (HNL) title is far from over, with Rudeš, Cibalia, Dugopolje, and Sesvete all in contention. Last weekend, Rudeš lost 3-2 at home to Cibalia, a critical setback with only two matches remaining. Rudeš currently leads the pack with 59 points, while Cibalia, Dugopolje, and Sesvete follow closely with 54 points each.

Rudeš, despite its lead, faces a challenging schedule, including a tough match against Dugopolje this Saturday and a final encounter with Sesvete. However, the title race is complicated by licensing issues affecting many clubs. Only Rudeš has secured a licence for the First League, while the others are still awaiting approval. Cibalia, however, will not be eligible for promotion to the First League even if they finish first, as revealed by President Damir Mustapić.

- In the first licensing round, the club applied for a licence to play in the 1st SuperSport Croatian Football League but was rejected. After the rejection, the Croatian Football Association (HNS) advised us not to apply for a licence for the First League in the second round, as we cannot meet the financial requirements. As a result, we withdrew our application to play in the 1st SuperSport Croatian Football League in the second round, Mustapić told Budica.info.

Cibalia will remain in the Second League for a ninth consecutive season, following their demotion from the First League to the Third League in 2018. Sesvete and Dugopolje are also awaiting licence approval, with Sesvete having delayed their application. Croatia Zmijavci, currently in the relegation zone, is three points behind the safety position held by Jarun.

Croatian Second League Schedule

32nd Round

Sesvete - BSK, May 22, 13:45
Karlovac - Jarun, May 22, 19:00
Dugopolje - Rudeš, May 23, 13:45
Cibalia - Orijent, May 23, 17:30
Dubrava - Opatija, May 23, 17:30
Croatia Zmijavci - Hrvace, May 24, 17:00

33rd Round (May 30)

Rudeš - Sesvete
Orijent - Dugopolje
Jarun - Cibalia
BSK - Croatia Zmijavci
Opatija - Karlovac
Hrvace - Dubrava