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Girona’s LaLiga Runner-Up Hopes Hit By Draw At Deportivo Alaves

admin — Sat, 11 May 2024 05:01:03 +0000

Second placed Girona are only two points clear of their Catalonian rivals Barcelona.© AFP

Girona’s hopes of taking the runners-up spot behind La Liga champions Real Madrid took a hit on Friday when a goal from Alaves’s Jon Guridi in the ninth minute of added time restricted them to a 2-2 draw. Eric Garcia put Girona ahead after just four minutes at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria before Guridi levelled for the home side eight minutes later. Artem Dovbyk, the league’s leading goalscorer with 20, did not get on the scoresheet but a minute before half-time he teed up Yangel Herrera for what appeared to be the winner.

But as the game stretched deep into added time Guridi popped up to share the spoils.

Girona move to 75 points, 12 behind Madrid and more important only two points clear of their Catalonian rivals Barcelona.

Barca do not play until Monday but they will go second if they beat a Real Sociedad team still looking to seal a Europa League place.

New Spanish champions Real Madrid, who beat Bayern Munich in midweek to book their place in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, will come down to earth on Saturday as they visit relegation-threatened Granada.

Granada are second from bottom and could already be down before kick-off at their Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium if Real Mallorca, 17th, defeat Las Palmas earlier on.

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Real Madrid Claim 36th Spanish Title After Girona Stun Barcelona

admin — Sun, 05 May 2024 04:06:49 +0000

Real Madrid earned what coach Carlo Ancelotti said was a “deserved” La Liga title on Saturday after beating Cadiz 3-0 and Girona sealed it with a stunning 4-2 victory over Barcelona. Ancelotti’s side did their homework by beating Cadiz and after last season’s champions stumbled against Girona, Los Blancos were crowned champions for a record-extending 36th time. Girona’s dramatic victory saw the Catalan minnows qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history, in only their fourth season in Spain’s top flight.

Ancelotti rotated heavily ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Bayern Munich next week, but his players still got the job done.

Brahim Diaz netted in the 51st minute to put Madrid ahead and then set up Jude Bellingham, with Joselu tapping home a third.

“We’ve had a spectacular Liga campaign,” Ancelotti told reporters.

“We’ve made few errors and the advantage is deserved.”

Madrid’s comfortable win over Cadiz sent them 14 points clear of last season’s champions Barcelona, in third, with only 12 left to play for.

Girona, second after their second 4-2 win over Barcelona this season, trail Madrid by 13 points.

“We leave our skins out there on the pitch to live moments like today’s,” Madrid striker Joselu told Real Madrid TV.

“There are young players who are very hungry for titles, veterans who are delighted to be here… and these are special moments.”

With the Bayern second leg in mind, Ancelotti only selected captain Nacho Fernandez from the starting line-up that earned a 2-2 draw in Bavaria this week.

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois started for the first time after a nine-month lay off after a knee injury and kept a clean sheet.

Madrid midfielder Luka Modric became the oldest player to appear for the club in La Liga, at 38 years and 238 days, breaking late Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas’ record from 1965 by five days.

The visitors, 18th and still battling to stay up, shaded the first half but Madrid’s goals came in the second.

Courtois made a superb save to deny Chris Ramos early in the second half and Madrid took the lead immediately afterwards.

Diaz received from the evergreen Modric on the edge of the area, turned slickly and curled an effort into the top corner.

Bellingham, on as a substitute for Turkish teenager Arda Guler, added the second soon after entering the fray at the end of a fine team move.

It was the England international’s 18th league goal of the season, keeping him in contention to finish as the top scorer.

Madrid put the cherry on their cake after a superb run by Nacho.

Poised to depart at the end of the season, the Spaniard was hailed by the Bernabeu after setting up Joselu for a simple finish in stoppage time.

‘Impossible to compete’

Los Blancos were able to celebrate after Girona came from behind twice to defeat Barcelona in a wild clash, moving second.

Barca took the lead through Andreas Christensen‘s fine volley after three minutes but La Liga’s top scorer Artem Dovbyk levelled with his 20th goal of the campaign just a minute later.

Robert Lewandowski sent Barcelona ahead with a penalty after Lamine Yamal was felled, but substitute Portu made a huge impact in the second half for Girona.

Michel Sanchez’s side netted two goals in two minutes to turn the game on its head. Portu netted the equaliser moments after coming on and then set up Miguel Gutierrez to put Girona ahead.

Portu sensationally volleyed home the fourth to ignite Girona’s tiny Montilivi stadium and get the party started.

“The players have entered Girona’s history books, what we’ve done this year is incredible,” said Sanchez.

Girona played Champions League music over the stadium sound system to give their fans a taste of things to come.

“I want to play against Liverpool, I want a historic giant here, there are many, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Inter.”

For Barcelona, third, the summer will be for self-reflection rather than dreams.

“It’s a shame, we sink with any negative situation,” said Barcelona coach Xavi after Barcelona lost their crown.

“Like this it’s impossible to compete.”

Elsewhere Rodrigo Riquelme’s early goal earned fourth-place Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at Mallorca to extend the gap on Athletic to six points.

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Rodrygo Keeps Real Madrid Clear Of Barcelona, Girona Boost European Dream

admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:31:34 +0000

Rodrygo fired La Liga leaders Real Madrid to a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao with a superb brace on Sunday to restore their eight-point advantage on Barcelona. Earlier Cristhian Stuani‘s last-gasp strike earned Girona an entertaining 3-2 win over Real Betis, keeping the minnows on track for Champions League qualification. After champions Barca, second, beat Las Palmas on Saturday to put pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Los Blancos responded with a solid showing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Without suspended Brazil forward Vinicius Junior, his compatriot Rodrygo made the difference with two superb strikes against an Athletic with one eye on next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Mallorca.

Los Leones coach Ernesto Valverde rested goalkeeper Unai Simon and defender Dani Vivian, along with Nico Williams, who had a minor muscular issue.

Defeat leaves fifth place Atletico Madrid able to rise above Athletic in fourth on Monday when they visit Villarreal.

Madrid, whose next match is Manchester City’s visit on April 9 in the Champions League quarter-finals, enjoyed a comfortable night thanks to Rodrygo.

“He played very well, he made the difference, he was able to score early, he has a lot of quality in his moves, it’s what he has to do,” Ancelotti told reporters.

Ancelotti said he was not concerned that Rodrygo, who had only netted once in his last 13 matches across all competitions, was inconsistent in front of goal.

“There are very isolated cases of forwards who score all the time, like (Karim) Benzema or Cristiano (Ronaldo),” continued the Italian.

“With experience Rodrygo will improve in that aspect, he’s still young and plays with a lot of intensity, and sometimes because of that youth I ask him to do a lot of work, so that’s why sometimes he’s not as fresh in front of goal.”

‘Joy and happiness’

Rodrygo broke the deadlock after just seven minutes with a strike from just outside the area, beyond the reach of Julen Agirrezabala and into the top corner.

Diaz crashed a shot against the post as Madrid sought a second goal to kill the game in the second half.

Rodrygo netted his and Madrid’s second after 73 minutes at the end of a slick move, ghosting inside Vivian and finishing at the near post.

La Liga’s joint top scorer Jude Bellingham, making his return after a two-match suspension for dissent, had a quiet night — quite literally at one point.

In complaining about a foul not called in his favour late on he acted out zipping his mouth shut, a reference to his recent punishment.

Eder Militao’s appearance in the final stages after a long-term knee injury he suffered against Athletic in August marked the end of a good night’s work for Madrid.

“I feel a lot of joy and happiness, hearing the fans when I went out to warm up is a joy that I can’t describe,” Militao told Real Madrid TV.

Their only concern was Fede Valverde limping off, but Ancelotti said it was not serious.

‘Historic year’

Michel Sanchez’s Girona had fallen badly out of form after running Madrid close in the title race for most of the season, but Stuani’s late goal earned them an important win.

Two David Lopez errors gifted Betis forward Willian Jose two goals to twice equalise goals from Girona forward Artem Dovbyk but veteran Uruguayan forward Stuani had the final say.

Girona, third, lead fourth place Athletic Bilbao by nine points, and are 10 behind Madrid and two off Barca.

“Until (qualification) is mathematically sealed, we’ll keep working and preparing for matches as if they were the last,” Stuani told DAZN.

“We’re on a good path, living through a historic year and let’s finish it in the best way we can.”

The hosts went ahead when Chadi Riad handled Dovbyk’s header and the Ukrainian netted the resulting penalty, before Jose lobbed home the equaliser.

Girona edged back in front with a good move finished by Dovbyk for his 16th goal, putting him level with Bellingham and Mallorca’s Ante Budimir as La Liga’s top scorer.

Betis were soon level after Lopez’s poor attempt at a clearance allowed Jose to strike, but Stuani pounced acrobatically in stoppage time to help Girona take their European dream one step closer to reality.

It would be a remarkable achievement for a club only in the top flight for the fourth season in their history.

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Cristhian Stuani Boosts Girona European Dream With Late Betis Winner

admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 17:10:27 +0000

Cristhian Stuani‘s last-gasp strike earned Girona an entertaining 3-2 win over Real Betis on Sunday, keeping the minnows on track for Champions League qualification. Michel Sanchez’s side had fallen badly out of form after running leaders Real Madrid close in the title race for most of the season, but Stuani’s goal clinched their third win in eight matches. Two David Lopez errors gifted Betis forward Willian Jose two goals to twice equalise goals from Girona forward Artem Dovbyk but veteran Uruguayan forward Stuani had the final say.

Girona, third, lead fourth place Athletic Bilbao by nine points before the Basque side visit Real Madrid later Sunday, while Atletico Madrid are 10 points behind in fifth and face Villarreal Monday.

With eight matches remaining Girona are seven points behind Los Blancos and two behind second-place Barcelona, who beat Las Palmas on Saturday.

“Until (qualification) is mathematically sealed, we’ll keep working and preparing for matches as if they were the last,” Stuani told DAZN.

“We’re on a good path, living through a historic year and let’s finish it in the best way we can.”

At a rainy Montilivi stadium, the two sides tussled intensely without creating much in the opening stages.

Eventually, the hosts were handed an opportunity to break the deadlock when Chadi Riad handled Dovbyk’s header.

The Ukrainian calmly slotted home from the spot to send his side ahead after 36 minutes, although they did not keep the lead for long.

In stoppage time, Lopez gave the ball way with a careless pass and Jose quickly lobbed home from over 30 yards out with Paulo Gazzaniga out of his goal.

Girona moved back in front after a good move, finished by Dovbyk. The striker slid home after Portu played him in on goal after 65 minutes, his 16th goal, putting him level with Madrid’s Jude Bellingham as La Liga’s top scorer.

Betis were soon back level after another Lopez mistake. Jose was again the beneficiary.

The defender stuck out a leg behind him to try and hook clear a cross but missed it and Jose controlled before firing home.

It seemed Girona were set to drop more points until Stuani finished acrobatically from close range in stoppage time after his first effort was saved.

“Luckily this goal at the end gave us the points,” added Stuani.

“It’s a unique feeling, difficult to explain, but the most important thing of all is three points for the team.”

Fans celebrated wildly in the pouring rain at the end as their European dream took one more step towards becoming a reality. It would be a remarkable achievement for a club only in the top flight for the fourth season in their history.

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Girona Ease Back Into Second As Atletico Madrid Misery Continues

admin — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 02:56:42 +0000

Girona returned to winning ways by beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday to move back into second place in La Liga, as Atletico Madrid ceded further ground on the top three with a shock defeat at Cadiz. A goal inside the opening 15 minutes from Cristian Portu and a late Savinho strike allowed Girona to leapfrog Barcelona back into second spot. “Getting the three points at home is the most important thing to be at the top,” said defender Yan Couto. “Thanks to the fans for their support.”

Girona dominated the early exchanges against their 10th-placed opponents and were rewarded with just 13 minutes on the clock.

A clever slide-rule pass by Viktor Tsygankov set Portu free in the box and the Spaniard’s unerring first-time finish set Girona on their way.

Tsygankov nearly got a second assist three minutes after the break but his compatriot Artem Dovbyk could not supply the finish inside the box.

Daley Blind came close to doubling Girona’s lead just shy of the hour mark but his 12-yeard strike was well blocked by the Osasuna defence.

Savinho then struck in the 85th minute but the goal was disallowed for a foul committed by an team-mate.

However, the disappointment was short-lived for the Brazilian when he again netted two minutes later and this time it stood.

Miguel Gutierrez fed Aleix Garcia, whose backheel fell perfectly to the oncoming Savinho and he stabbed home a left-footed finish to put the game beyond Osasuna.

‘First dangerous situation’

Atletico Madrid were shocked by lowly Cadiz as Diego Simeone’s men sank to a 2-0 defeat on the south coast.

A brace either side of half-time from loanee Juanmi secured an invaluable three points for the 18th-placed Andalusian side and condemned Atletico to a seventh defeat this term.

“The team started well, with enthusiasm and the desire to generate good things, but in the first dangerous situation, Cadiz found the goal and another different game was presented,” said Atletico coach Simeone.

Atletico’s season has hit some turbulence and the loss follows on from defeat over two legs in the Copa del Rey semi-final against Athletic Bilbao and a 1-0 first-leg loss at Inter Milan in the Champions League last 16.

Spanish international striker Juanmi was left unmarked in the box to head in midway through the first half before he sealed the victory with a scuffed finish just after the hour mark.

The first period was defined by a litany of fouls as neither side was able to get into their groove.

Ruben Sobrino got to the byline on 24 minutes and his left-footed cross found the head of Juanmi, who gleefully headed home from five yards out to give Cadiz the lead.

Simeone rang the changes at half-time, replacing Memphis Depay as well as experienced midfielders Saul Niguez and Rodrigo de Paul but to no avail.

It was Juanmi, on loan from Real Betis, who was again the difference maker.

With 64 minutes gone, he latched onto Javi Hernandez’s long pass and outfoxed Jan Oblak with an untidy but effective volleyed finish.

The result pushes Cadiz closer to safety as they provisionally move to within two points of 17th place, while it leaves Atletico four behind Girona in third.

Real Sociedad required late goals from Robin Le Normand and Andre Silva to come from behind and win at second-from-bottom Granada.

Myrto Uzuni twice gave the hosts the lead in the first half, cancelling out Sadiq Umar’s equaliser just after the half-hour.

But Le Normand struck 10 minutes from time to level matters and Silva pounced in the 85th minute to nick a 3-2 win for the Basques.

Earlier, Valencia climbed to eighth with a 1-0 win at home to Getafe, courtesy of a clever lofted finish by Hugo Duro five minutes before the break.

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Slumping Girona And Limp Barcelona Fail To Exploit Real Madrid’s La Liga Slip

admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 03:31:20 +0000

Presented with a chance to gain ground on Liga leaders Real Madrid, both Girona and then Barcelona tamely surrendered points on Sunday. After Real Madrid drew in Valencia the night before, surprising title challengers Girona had a chance to reverse their recent slump and regain some ground. But they continued to subside as they lost 1-0 at Mallorca. That gave giant Catalan rivals Barcelona a chance to take second, but they drew 0-0 in Bilbao in the late game. Girona remained second, seven points behind Real with Barcelona another point behind.

Atletico Madrid tightened their grip on fourth as they beat Betis 2-1.

On Saturday, Real Madrid drew 2-2 at Valencia in a game that ended in controversy as Jude Bellingham, who thought he had just scored the winner, was sent off for protesting after his strike was ruled out because the referee had blown the final whistle.

In Palma on Sunday, Mallorca, fresh from reaching the Copa del Rey final, scored the only goal after 33 minutes.

Following a corner, the ball rebounded off Mallorca’s Cyle Larin and fell to Jose-Manuel Copete in space less than 10 metres out. The defender smashed a shot in off the underside of the bar.

Girona enjoyed a slight edge in possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances as they failed to score for the third time in five games.

“I am disappointed with the result but not with the team’s attitude,” said Girona coach Michel Sanchez.

The victory pulled Mallorca up to 15th, eight points clear of the relegation places.

Barcelona ended their visit to Bilbao playing out an uneventful goalless draw at walking pace.

“We didn’t play a good game, we didn’t attack well,” said coach Xavi. “We didn’t play our best. The match required more from us. It’s a missed opportunity. The team could have done more.”

Barcelona also suffered potentially costly injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, who went off in tears.

Bilbao, who also reached the Spanish Cup final in midweek, stayed fifth, five points behind Atletico Madrid, the only team that stated the weekend in the top half of the table to win.

In the afternoon, Atletico took the lead against Betis after eight minutes with help from the visitors.

Memphis Depay drove a cross toward Alvaro Morata, lurking at the far post, but the ball never reached the Spain striker as three Betis players combined to put the ball into their own net.

Hector Bellerin scuffed the ball onto team-mate German Pezzella who deflected it toward the line where goalkeeper Rui Silva could only parry it into his own goal.

Rui Silva brought down Morata to concede a 27th minute penalty but the goalkeeper saved the spot kick and two follow-up attempts by Morata.

Morata found the target in the 43rd minute, nodding in a rebound from close range after Rui Silva saved a shot by Rodrigo de Paul.

“It was a deserved victory,” said Atletico coach Diego Simeone. “We needed it.”

William Carvalho pulled one back for Betis with a long-range blast after 62 minutes.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak pushed a shot from Guido Rodriguez onto the post as Atletico absorbed late Betis pressure.

In the day’s opening game, Alexander Sorloth scored a hat-trick as Villarreal crushed struggling Granada 5-1.

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Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha Return In Barca Clasico Squad

admin — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 11:05:25 +0000

Barcelona trio Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha are fit to face Real Madrid in the Clasico on Saturday. Xavi Hernandez named the three players, who have been out injured in recent weeks, in his squad for the derby clash at Barca’s temporary Olympic Stadium home.

Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Sergi Roberto remain sidelined for the Spanish champions.

Our squad list for #ElClásico! pic.twitter.com/V1C9oWLBzf

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 28, 2023

Barcelona, third, trail Real Madrid by a point, with Los Blancos three points behind new leaders Girona, who beat Celta Vigo 1-0 on Friday.

Girona Beat Celta Vigo To Top La Liga Ahead Of El Clasico

Girona threw down the gauntlet to Spain’s big two who meet in the Clasico on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Friday to move top of La Liga.

Yangel Herrera’s late drive from the edge of the box snatched the Catalans a late victory, sending them three points clear of Real Madrid and four above Barcelona.

Rafa Benitez’s Celta Vigo felt hard done by after officials ruled out a late goal of their own before Herrera drilled home to delight fans at Girona’s modest Montilivi stadium.

The first half featured few chances until Celta’s Jonathan Bamba broke through and fired at goal, but Paulo Gazzaniga was equal to it.

Girona dominated the ball but Celta were hard to break down, sturdy under Benitez, although they have just one win in 11 matches.

Artem Dovbyk forced Celta goalkeeper Vicente Guaita into a save with a header from a corner, but Michel’s side did not create any clear chances, until Yan Couto fired over midway through the second period.

In the final 20 minutes the Catalans began to carve out more opportunities, but Cristhian Stuani and Miguel Gutierrez failed to hit the target.

Celta found the net through Luca de la Torre but the goal was disallowed for a foul by Carlos Dotor on Gazzaniga, although it was slight.

The visitors were still upset about it when Girona snatched the lead and the three points with Herrera driving home from just outside the area.

“It was a very hard game. I’m very happy for the win,” said Girona winger Savinho.

“We deserve it, we work very hard.”

Celta Vigo are 17th, two points from safety.

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Jude Bellingham Delivers As Real Madrid Punish Girona, Sociedad Win Basque Derby vs Athletic Bilbao

admin — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 02:56:47 +0000

Inspired by Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid showed both steel and class to beat high-flying Girona 3-0 on Saturday and move back top of La Liga. Real Sociedad thrashed Athletic Bilbao by the same scoreline to win the Basque derby later on and rise to fourth. Girona headed into the weekend as unlikely leaders but champions Barcelona usurped them by beating Sevilla on Friday, with Madrid then deposing their rivals at the league’s summit with a solid triumph on Catalan soil.

Joselu and Aurelien Tchouameni’s first-half goals were enough to burst Girona’s bubble and after that the record 35-time La Liga winners kept the plucky upstarts at arm’s length.

The stylish Bellingham netted with 20 minutes remaining to seal Madrid’s victory and continue his own sparkling run of goalscoring form.

Madrid defender Nacho was sent off late in the match for an ugly high tackle on Portu, who went off injured.

“Nacho wasn’t thinking clearly, he’s usually a player who does things right, he has said sorry,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who praised his team’s display.

“It was a solid performance, strong, we defended well, we knew they could hurt us with the ball, they play good football, so it was important to defend well in our half.”

Michel’s side beat Real Madrid at home last season and their fans believed they could repeat the trick, but they found a determined side in their path.

In only their fourth season in the Spanish top flight and unbeaten in their first seven games, the City Football Group-owned team are flourishing, but their illustrious visitors arrived with a point to prove about the natural order of things, and snapped that run.

Ancelotti brought in Eduardo Camavinga at left-back to bolster the defence after Atletico Madrid found too much joy down the flanks in Los Blancos’ derby defeat last weekend.

The coach also handed Vinicius Junior his first start after injury.

Girona came out with their tails up, looking to capitalise on the boisterous home atmosphere at their small but fired-up Montilivi stadium.

They almost did, with Yangel Herrera heading narrowly over and Viktor Tsygankov hitting the post in an onslaught inside the opening five minutes.

However Madrid took the lead against the run of play to stop the hosts in their tracks.

Joselu converted from close range after Bellingham found the Spain striker with a sublime outside-of-the-boot cross.

Four minutes later the visitors netted their second, with Tchouameni given a free header from Toni Kroos‘ corner, gratefully accepting his first goal for Madrid since joining in 2022.

No way back

Girona started the second half strongly and Kepa Arrizabalaga was called into action to repel David Lopez’s header.

Tchouameni survived a penalty appeal after tangling with Herrera inside his area as Madrid rode the pressure, with goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga denying Bellingham at the other end.

However few teams have been able to keep the England international at bay this season.

Bellingham, the division’s top scorer with six goals, turned home the rebound after Gazzaniga parried a Joselu effort to kill any hope of a comeback.

Nacho was dismissed in the final stages for his vicious foul on winger Portu, which sparked a brief brawl between the players.

“Carlo said it was a tackle that was out of place, and said sorry to us,” Michel said.

“No tackle of that style is understandable, but seeing the minute and the result at the time, even less so.”

Madrid lead with 21 points from eight games, a point ahead of Barcelona, who are in turn a point ahead of Girona.

Later on Real Sociedad climbed above rivals Athletic Bilbao, fifth, whom they beat 3-0 in San Sebastian.

Robin Le Normand sent the hosts ahead in the first half with the electric Takefusa Kubo adding the second soon after the break, his fifth goal of the season.

Mikel Oyarzabal extended La Real’s advantage on a fine night for Imanol Alguacil’s side, who have won three in a row in La Liga.

“We play well, everybody knows that,” Kubo told Movistar.

“If it’s not accompanied by hard work then in this league, you won’t beat anyone.”

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