November 23, 2020 - The 12th round of the Croatian First League was held from November 20 to 21, 2020. In this round, Osijek topped Dinamo 2:0, and Hajduk won away at Belupo.

Lokomotiva v. Varazdin (2:2)

Lokomotiva and Varazdin opened the 12th round on Friday, November 20, 2020, in Zagreb. 

Delic scored the first goal for Varazdin in the 7th minute, though Chajia was quick to equalize for Lokomotiva with a goal three minutes later for 1:1. An own goal by Hendija gave Varazdin the 1:2 lead in the 60th, but a last-minute equalizer by Papadopoulos ended the game 2:2. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 8th place with 8 points, while Varazdin is in 9th with 8. 

Sibenik v. Gorica (1:3)

Sibenik and Gorica met for the second match on Friday, November 20, 2020, in Sibenik.

While Ampem gave Sibenik the lead in the 7th minute and through the first half, Gorica woke up in the second and scored all three of their goals - Cabraja in the 62nd, Suk in the 81st, and Lovric in the 3rd minute of added time. 

Sibenik is currently in 6th place with 13 points, while Gorica is in 3rd with 19. 

Osijek v. Dinamo (2:0)

Osijek and Dinamo met on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at City Garden Stadium.

While the first half went without goals, Osijek's Pilj gave the home team the lead in the 54th minute, and Zaper increased their lead to 2:0 in the 89th for the final score of the match. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 23 points, while Dinamo is in first with 26.

Slaven Belupo v. Hajduk (0:2)

Belupo and Hajduk closed out the 12th round on Saturday, November 21, 2020, in Koprivnica. 

Hajduk Nayir scored the first goal of the match just before the half for 0:1. An own goal by Soldo increased Hajduk's lead to 0:2 in the 56th minute, which was the final result. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 11 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 14. 

At the request of Rijeka, which counted seven footballers positive for coronavirus, the Croatian Football Federation postponed their 12th round match against Istria 1961, which was to be played on Saturday, November 21, in Pula. 

See the full HNL table HERE. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

November 9, 2020 - The 11th round of the Croatian First League was held from November 7 to 8, 2020. This round saw Hajduk and Osijek draw at Poljud, while Dinamo toppled Istra 5:0. 

Varazdin v. Sibenik (1:3)

Varazdin and Sibenik opened the 11th round on Saturday, November 7, 2020, in Varazdin. 

Juric scored two goals for Sibenik in the first half (8', 26') for 0:2 at the half. A hattrick in the 57th minute made Juric the hero of the game. Varazdin's Benko slightly reduced Sibenik's lead with a goal in the 70th minute for the final result of 1:3. 

Varazdin is currently in last place with 7 points, while Sibenik is in 5th place with 13. 

Hajduk v. Osijek (1:1)

Hajduk and Osijek met in the second match on Saturday, November 7, 2020, at Poljud stadium in Split. 

Osijek took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to a goal by Mierez for 0:1 at the half. Hajduk's Colina equalized for 1:1 in the 55th minute. Hajduk missed a last-minute penalty, resulting in a 1:1 draw. 

Hajduk is currently in 7th place with 11 points, while Osijek is in 2nd place with 20. 

Dinamo v. Istra 1961 (5:0)

Dinamo and Istra met at Maksimir stadium in Zagreb on Sunday, November 8, 2020. 

Gavranovic opened the scoring spree for Dinamo in the 6th minute, followed by a Jakic goal just before the half for 2:0. Gavranovic scored again in the 75th minute, followed by another quick goal one minute later by Orsic for 4:0 in the 76th minute. Tolic secured Dinamo's 5:0 victory with the final goal in the 87th minute. 

Dinamo is currently in first place with 26 points, while Istra is in 8th with 8. 

Rijeka v. Lokomotiva (1:0)

Rijeka and Lokomotiva closed out the 11th round on Sunday, November 8, 2020, at Rujevica stadium. 

Muric scored the only goal of the match, which happened in the 17th minute from a penalty to give Rijeka the win.

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 15 points, while Lokomotiva is in 9th with 7. 

Recall, Gorica was supposed to host Slaven Belupo on Sunday, November 8, at 19:10, though the match was postponed again due to COVID-19. 

Several members of the Koprivnica first league squad tested positive, including players and members of the professional staff, so the entire team was ordered by the competent epidemiologist to go into self-isolation until Thursday, November 12. 

Gorica thus did not play for the third round in a row, as their previous two matches were also postponed (against Rijeka and Varazdin) because of COVID-19. 

You can see the full HNL table here.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

October 26, 2020 - The 9th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 23 to 25, 2020. In this round, only two out of the five games were played, with wins for Dinamo and Slaven Belupo. 

Varazdin v. Slaven Belupo (1:2)

Varazdin and Belupo opened the 9th round in Varazdin on Friday, October 23, 2020.

Krstanovic scored in the 18th minute for Belupo to make the game 0:1 at the half. Bacelic-Grgic increased Belupo's lead in the 50th minute for 0:2. 

Petkovic was able to get one for Varazdin, making the final result of the match 1:2 

Varazdin is currently in 7th place with 7 points, while Belupo is in 5th with 10 points. 

Sibenik v. Dinamo (0:2)

Dinamo and Sibenik closed out the 9th round on Sunday, October 25, 2020. 

While the first half ended 0:0, Petkovic scored a penalty for Dinamo in the 54th minute for 0:1. Orsic increased Dinamo's lead in the 72nd minute for the final score of 0:2.

Sibenik is currently in 7th place with 7 points, while Dinamo is in 1st with 22 points. 

Recall, three 9th round Croatian First League matches meant to be played this weekend were postponed.

HNK Gorica announced on Friday that after testing the entire team and the professional staff of HNK Gorica, 13 players and three staff members are coronavirus-positive. Due to several infected players, the 9th round match against Rijeka was postponed. 

In addition to Gorica, Lokomotiva Zagreb announced they could not compete. After postponing the match against Osijek in the 8th round, the 9th round match against Hajduk, which was supposed to be played on October 24, at Kranjčevićeva, was also postponed. 

The same happened with the match between Istria and Osijek, as seven players of the Osijek Football Club tested positive. 

All matches will take place on the first possible date, which will be decided later.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

October 25, 2020 - The coronavirus permeated throughout the Croatian First League and disrupted the HNL schedule. This weekend, only two of the five games of the 9th round are being played, though the HNS commissioner claims that everything is under control.

"Obviously, we live in such a time that it had to happen," said Josip Brezni, adding: "So far, there is no reason to panic."

Gol.hr reports that five matches were postponed in the first two months of the new season because of COVID-19, and three more due to the European obligations of individual clubs.

"Thus, after the 9th round, only Varazdin and Sibenik will have the maximum number of games played. Dinamo, Slaven Belupo, Gorica and Istra will have one game behind, Osijek and Hajduk are two matches behind, and Rijeka and Lokomotiva are three," he said. 

As the Europa League continues in autumn, Rijeka could see even more delays.

"Even before the start of the Championship, we knew that if any of our clubs qualified for the group stage of Europe and postponed any match, as Rijeka postponed two due to the UEFA competition and now one due to the coronavirus, they could only make up games in the spring," says Brezni.

The regularity of the championship is not in question, for now.

"If we are possibly held back from the Headquarters or anything, and the situation worsens, resulting in further interruptions, of course, we will then adjust and possibly think about some next steps," Brezni points out.

Therefore, the HNL is deciding on possibly shortening the championship; however, the deadline for such a decision is strict.

"The last option for possibly changing the way this year's championship is played would be to play two more rounds in the spring part of the Championship."

Even if the situation worsens, Brezni does not see a realistic option for the HNL to be played in the same city, without spectators, and for the teams to be in a "bubble" modeled on the NBA or the Champions League final.

On Saturday, the Istrian headquarters received a recommendation to postpone all inter-county competitions, which would mean that Istra 1961 cannot play its HNL matches. 

The HNL commissioner commented:

"I personally think that there is really no reason for professional clubs to be restricted from playing matches. Eventually, it is realistic to think that the stadiums will be closed again and that we will play without spectators for most of the championship," he concluded. 

The worst situation is in Gorica, which has 13 infected players, followed by Osijek with seven coronavirus-positive players. Some postponed matches will start to be played next week.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

October 24, 2020 - 13 players and 3 staff members are coronavirus-positive at HNK Gorica, the club announced on Friday evening.

HNK Gorica announced on Friday that after testing the entire team and the professional staff of HNK Gorica, 13 players and three staff members are coronavirus-positive.

Everyone infected is immediately referred to self-isolation; everyone feels good and has no pronounced symptoms, the club added.

Due to a large number of infected players, the 9th round match against Rijeka was postponed this weekend. Furthermore, the 10th round match of the Croatian First League between HNK Gorica and NK Varazdin, which was supposed to be played on October 30, has also been postponed.

Following the regulations of the HNS and the decision of the HNS Competition Commission, individual matches can be postponed in the event there are six or more players of the same club in self-isolation. According to the provisions of the Ordinance on football competitions and the Proposal of the competition, postponed matches must be played in the first possible free period.

As things stand now, HNK Gorica will play their 11th round of the Croatian First League against Slaven Belupo, on Sunday, November 8, at 19:00. It was originally supposed to be played two days earlier, but the date was changed due to new circumstances.

Recall, three 9th round Croatian First League matches meant to be played this weekend have been postponed.

In addition to Gorica, Lokomotiva Zagreb announced they still cannot compete as the coronavirus has penetrated its dressing room. After postponing the match against Osijek last weekend, the 9th round match against Hajduk, which was supposed to be played on October 24, at Kranjčevićeva, is also postponed. The match will take place on the first possible date, which will be decided later.

The same happened with the match between Istria and Osijek, as seven players of the Osijek Football Club have tested positive. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

October 22, 2020 - As COVID-19 rips through Croatia, three 9th round Croatian First League matches meant to be played this weekend have been postponed.

It all began yesterday when Lokomotiva Zagreb announced they still cannot compete as the coronavirus has penetrated its dressing room. After postponing the match against Osijek last weekend, the 9th round match against Hajduk, which was supposed to be played on October 24, at Kranjčevićeva, is also postponed. The match will take place on the first possible date, which will be decided later.

The Croatian Football Federation stated the following explanation:

"On October 21, 2020, NK Lokomotiva submitted a notification that four players tested positive for coronavirus after testing the entire team, and two more have an epidemiological measure of self-isolation. Therefore, NK Lokomotiva cannot continue the regular competition and requests the postponement of the 9th round match in the HT First League between Lokomotiva - Hajduk.

Following the regulations of the HNS and the decision of the Competition Commission of the HNS from the session held on August 6, 2020, which authorizes the commissioners of the competition to postpone a particular match in case there are six or more players of the same club in self-isolation; based on the request of NK Lokomotiva, a decision was made to postpone the match. According to the provisions of the Rules on Football Competitions and the Propositions of Competitions, postponed matches must be played in the first possible free period, on which a decision will be made later."

Furthermore, Gorica announced today that five players have tested positive for coronavirus, so the match supposed to be played against Rijeka on Sunday has also been postponed.

"The 9th round of the HT First League, which was supposed to be played at the City Stadium in Velika Gorica, was postponed because the results of individual testing confirmed coronavirus infection in five HNK Gorica players, and three more have a prescribed measure of self-isolation.

Based on the request of HNK Gorica, following the regulations of HNS and the decision of the Competition Commission of HNS, a decision was made to postpone the match."

But that's not all. 

After the Gorica-Rijeka match was postponed, the same happened with the match between Istria and Osijek.

"The match between Istra 1961 and Osijek is postponed.

The test results confirmed the coronavirus in seven players of the Osijek Football Club. To avoid spreading the infection further, it is necessary to postpone the match until the competent epidemiologists decide on further action."

You can see the Croatian First League table HERE.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

October 19, 2020 - The 8th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 16 to 18, 2020. This round featured a shocking Hajduk loss to Sibenik, while Osijek and Lokomotiva has been postponed due to coronavirus cases in the Zagreb club. 

Slaven Belupo v. Istra 1961 (5:1)

Belupo and Istra opened the 8th round on Friday, October 16, 2020, in Koprivnica in front of 308 spectators. 

Belupo's scoring spree started in the first half with two goals by Bozic in the 31st and 45+2 minutes for 2:0 at the half. 

Krstanovic (penalty) and Glavic increased Belupo's lead in the 50th and 61st minutes for 4:0. Boakye made it 5:0 in the 79th minute, though Istra's Vuk was able to come back to score one goal in the 85th minute for the final score of 5:1. 

Belupo is currently in 6th place with 7 points, while Istra is in the last place with 5. 

Dinamo v. Gorica (3:2)

Dinamo and Gorica met on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Maksimir Stadium in front of 815 spectators. 

Gavranovic scored two goals for Dinamo in the 32nd and 36th minutes for 2:0 at the half. Gorica opened the second half with two goals to equalize - Mudrinski scored in the 46th and Hamad in the 50th for 2:2. 

Gavranovic secured a hattrick with a goal in the 66th minute for 3:2, which was the final score of the game. 

Dinamo is currently in first place with 19 points, while Gorica is in 2nd with 16. 

Rijeka v. Varazdin (2:1)

Rijeka and Varazdin met on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Rujevica Stadium in front of 2,072 spectators. 

While Varazdin's Obregon was the first to score in the 17th minute for 0:1, an own goal by Stolnik made it 1:1 three minutes later. Kulenovic then increased Rijeka's lead to 2:1 at the half. 

With no goals in the second half, the game ended at 2:1 for Rijeka. 

Rijeka is currently in 4th place with 12 points, while Varazdin is in 8th place with 7. 

Hajduk v. Sibenik (0:1)

Hajduk and Sibenik met at Poljud Stadium on Sunday, October 18, 2020, in front of 4,517 spectators. 

Sahiti scored the only goal of the game in the 34th minute, which gave Sibenik the victory. 

Hajduk is currently in 5th place with 10 points, while Sibenik is in 7th with 7. 

Osijek v. Lokomotiva (POSTPONED)

Two players of NK Lokomotiva are positive for coronavirus, the Zagreb club announced on Sunday.

"Two NK Lokomotiva players were tested for COVID-19 on Sunday, October 18, and are positive. According to the Personal Data Protection Act (GDPR), we are not able to disclose the identity of the infected persons," the statement said on the club's website. The club also announced that "the competent epidemiological service was immediately notified, which imposed a measure of strict self-isolation on the two players, all following the recommendations of the Croatian Civil Protection Headquarters and the HNS working group."

Lokomotiva was supposed to play against Osijek Sunday at 5:05 pm, but the match was postponed.

"To avoid further possible spread of the infection to all other participants in the Osijek - Lokomotiva match, it is necessary to postpone it until the competent epidemiologist decides on further action and until additional testing of the entire team and determine the actual situation. According to the provisions of the Ordinance on football competitions and the Proposition of the competition, postponed matches must be played in the first possible free term, which will be decided later," said the commissioner of HT Prva Liga, Josip Brezni.

You can see the full HNL table here. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

October 5, 2020 - The 7th round of the Croatian First League was held from October 2 to 4, 2020. In this round, Gorica topped Hajduk, while Osijek's win against Sibenik pushed them into 3rd place.

Lokomotiva v. Istra 1961 (0:0)

Lokomotiva and Istra opened the 7th round in Zagreb on Friday, October 2, 2020. 

While the game went without goals, it did see four yellow cards for Lokomotiva. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 8th place with 5 points, while Istra is in 7th with 5 points. 

Sibenik v. Osijek (0:2)

Sibenik and Osijek played their 7th round match in Sibenik on Saturday, October 3, 2020, in front of 1,173 spectators. 

While the first half went without goals, Mierez scored for the Osijek lead in the 67th minute. A penalty awarded to Osijek less than 10 minutes later saw Mierez score again for the final score of 0:2.

Sibenik is currently in the last place with 4 points, while Osijek is in 3rd with 13. 

Gorica v. Hajduk (2:1)

Gorica and Hajduk met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, October 3, 2020, in front of 1,523 spectators. 

A penalty for Hajduk in the 45th minute saw Caktas score for 0:1 at the half. Lovric equalized for Gorica in the 62nd minute, after which Colina received a double-yellow for Hajduk, forcing them to play with a man down from the 70th minute. 

Hamad scored for the Gorica lead eight minutes later, while Jairo missed the chance to equalize from a penalty in the 10th minute of added time. The match ended at 2:1.

Gorica is currently in 2nd place with 16 points, while Hajduk is in 4th place with 10. 

Varazdin v. Dinamo (1:2)

Varazdin and Dinamo met on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at NK Varteks Stadium. 

Varazdin's Drozdek scored a penalty in the 8th minute to put the home team in the lead. However, Orsic scored just before the half to make it 1:1.

Another goal for Orsic in the 54th minute gave Dinamo the lead, and a goal taken back by VAR kept the score at 1:2.

Varazdin is currently in 6th place with 7 points, while Dinamo is in first with 16. 

Rijeka v. Slaven Belupo (2:0)

Rijeka and Slaven Belupo closed out the 7th round on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at Rujevica Stadium.

While the first half went without goals, Andrijasevic scored in the 69th minute for 1:0 Rijeka. Kulenovic scored a penalty in the second minute of added time for the final result of 2:0.

Rijeka is currently in 5th place with 9 points, while Belupo is in 9th place with 4. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE.

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September 28, 2020 - The 6th round of the Croatian First League was held on September 26 and 27, 2020. In this round, Hajduk topped Varazdin at a very stormy Poljud, while Osijek was better than Gorica. The games between Dinamo and Rijeka, and Lokomotiva and Slaven Belupo were postponed due to obligations in the Europa League.

Istra 1961 v. Sibenik (1:0)

Istra and Sibenik opened the 6th round on Saturday, September 26, 2020, in Pula. 

The only goal of the match came in the 39th minute when Ivancic scored for 1:0 at the half. Grzan missed a penalty in the 70th minute and failed to increase Istra's lead. The game ended 1:0.

Istra is currently in 9th place with 4 points, while Sibenik is in 8th with 4 points. 

Osijek v. Gorica (2:1)

Osijek and Gorica met on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at City Garden Stadium. 

Mierez scored a penalty for Osijek in the 3rd minute of the ref's added time, just before the half. A Doka double-yellow saw Gorica play with a man down from the 72nd minute. Gorica, however, was able to equalize in the 84th minute thanks to a Lovric goal. Grgic put Osijek back in the lead in the 7th minute of added time for a final score of 2:1.

Osijek is currently in 4th place with 10 points, while Gorica is in 2nd place with 13 points. 

Hajduk v. Varazdin (2:0)

Hajduk and Varazdin closed out the 6th round on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Poljud Stadium. 

Gyursco scored an early goal for Hajduk in the 5th minute to put them ahead 1:0. A Pellumbi red card for Varazdin in the 15th minute did not help them equal the score. 

A penalty was awarded to Hajduk in the 50th minute, which Caktas scored for 2:0. A vicious storm erupted in the game's final minutes, which you can see in the video below. 

Hajduk is currently in 3rd place with 10 points, while Varazdin is in 5th with 7. 

Dinamo and Rijeka, and Lokomotiva and Slaven Belupo, will play their 6th round matches in the first free term.

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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September 21, 2020 - The 5th round of the Croatian First League was held from September 18 to 20, 2020.  This round saw Dinamo and Slaven Belupo draw, while the Adriatic Derby between Rijeka and Hajduk was postponed due to commitments in the Europa League this week. 

Sibenik v. Lokomotiva (3:2)

Sibenik and Lokomotiva opened the 5th round on Friday, September 18, 2020, at Stadion Subicevac. 

Ampem opened the scoring for Sibenik in the 11th minute for 1:0. Lokomotiva's Kallaku equalized in the 33rd for 1:1. Juric's goal six minutes before the half put Sibenik back in the lead. 

Sammir equalized for Lokomotiva in the 69th minute, but an 84th-minute goal by Ampem gave Sibenik the 3:2 win. 

Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 4 points, while Lokomotiva is in 9th place with 4 points. 

Gorica v. Istra 1961 (2:2)

Gorica and Istra met in the 5th round on Saturday, September 19, 2020, in Velika Gorica. 

Vuk scored for the Istra lead in the 11th minute, though Spikic scored the equalizer for Lokomotiva in the 29th. A Suk goal for Gorica was called back thanks to VAR just before the half. 

A red card for Steenvoorden in the 73rd minute saw Gorica play a man down for the remainder of the game, while Grzan nailed the penalty to put Istra back in the lead.  In the 89th minute, Delfi scored the equalizer for the final score of 2:2.

Gorica is currently in 2nd place with 13 points, while Istra is in 10th with one point. 

Dinamo v. Slaven Belupo (3:3)

Dinamo and Slaven Belupo met on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at Maksimir stadium. 

An early Belupo goal by Etoundi shocked Dinamo in the first minute of the game. However, Gavranovic equalized three minutes later for 1:1 in the 4th minute. Gavranovic scored again in the 8th minute for the Dinamo lead. A Belupo penalty in the 22nd minute saw Krstanovic score the equalizer for 2:2 at the half. 

Lovro Majer put Dinamo back in the lead for 3:2 in the 69th minute, while Knoll equalized for the final score of 3:3. Belupo's Zirdum received a double-yellow.

Dinamo is currently in first place with 13 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 4. 

Varazdin v. Osijek (0:1)

Varazdin and Osijek closed out the 5th round this weekend Sunday, September 20, 2020, at NK Varteks Stadium. 

The only goal of the match came in the 15th minute when Zaper scored for the Osijek win. 

Varazdin is currently in 5th place with 7 points, while Osijek is in 4th with 7 points. 

You can see the full HNL table here. 

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