Tax Adjustments in 2024: What Americans Need to Know

 

With January fast approaching, taxpayers are gearing up to navigate the 2025 tax season amidst inflation’s continued grip on household budgets. Recognising the challenges, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has adjusted over 60 tax provisions for 2024, offering some relief to taxpayers.

One of the most significant changes is the adjustment to the standard deduction, a key factor influencing how much taxable income is reduced for filers. These updated amounts reflect efforts to align with inflation and soften its financial impact on families and individuals.

New Standard Deduction Amounts

For single filers and those married but filing separately, the standard deduction increased to $14,600, a $750 rise compared to 2023. For married couples filing jointly, it jumped to $29,200, an increase of $1,500. The head of household deduction also saw a boost of $1,100, climbing to $21,900.

These adjustments can make a tangible difference for taxpayers, reducing taxable income and potentially lowering tax bills for many.

Understanding the Impact

For middle-income families, these increases provide much-needed cushioning against inflation’s effects. The higher standard deductions could mean fewer taxpayers need to itemise deductions, simplifying the filing process. However, taxpayers should still evaluate whether itemising could yield a greater benefit, especially for those with significant medical, mortgage, or charitable expenses.

Key Considerations for 2025 Filing

1. Stay Informed: While the standard deduction is a critical component, other inflation-related changes might also affect withholding, credits, or brackets.
2. Plan Early: Take advantage of tax-saving opportunities, such as contributing to retirement accounts or making charitable donations before the year ends.
3. Use Tax Software or Professionals: Changes in tax provisions can be complex. Leveraging expert guidance ensures accuracy and maximises potential savings.

Looking Ahead

As taxpayers prepare for the 2025 filing season, these adjustments highlight the IRS’s effort to align tax provisions with economic realities. By staying proactive and informed, individuals and families can better navigate the system and make the most of the benefits available.

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Poet Found Dead in Shahbagh Hostel Washroom

Poet Helal Hafiz Found Dead in Shahbagh Hostel

Renowned poet Helal Hafiz was found dead on Friday, December 13, at a hostel in Shahbagh, Dhaka. The poet, who lived in the Super Home Hostel, was discovered in the common washroom with a head injury. Blood was reportedly coming from his wound. His body is currently at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. 

Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Khalil Mansur confirmed the incident. He stated that Helal Hafiz had gone to the common washroom in the afternoon. When he did not respond for a long time, other hostel residents knocked on the door. After receiving no answer, they broke the door and found the poet lying on the floor. His head appeared to have been injured, and a broken basin was found nearby.

"We believe he may have fallen due to a stroke or another health issue," said OC Khalil. "It seems he hit the basin during the fall, causing it to break and injure his head."

A Life Dedicated to Poetry

Helal Hafiz was born on October 7, 1948, in Netrakona. His debut poetry collection, Je Jal Agun Jalye (The Fire That Burns Water), was published in 1986 and brought him widespread acclaim. In 2013, he received the prestigious Bangla Academy Award for his contribution to poetry.

The poet completed his SSC at Netrokona Dutta High School in 1965 and HSC at Netrokona College in 1967. That same year, he enrolled in the Bangla Department at Dhaka University. While still a student, he joined the national newspaper Purbudesh as a journalist in 1972 and later worked for Desh and Jugantar in editorial roles.

Recognition and Achievements

Helal Hafiz was honored with several awards during his lifetime, including the Jessore Sahitya Parishad Award (1986), Abul Mansur Ahmed Sahitya Parishad Award (1987), and the Kabi Khalekdad Chowdhury Award.

His poem Nishiddho Sambhogo, written during the 1969 mass uprising, became a hallmark of his career, reflecting the turbulent times he lived through. His second book, Kavita Ekattor (Poetry ’71), was published in 2012, 26 years after his first collection, and also gained widespread popularity.

Known for his contemporary poetic language, Helal Hafiz wrote about love, betrayal, and the struggles of his time. His works resonate deeply with readers, cementing his legacy as one of Bangladesh’s most beloved poets.

A Tragic End

Helal Hafiz’s untimely death marks the end of a remarkable journey in Bangladeshi literature. His contributions to poetry and journalism will be remembered for generations.

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Asif Nazrul trapped in honey trap

 

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Woman Dies in Stampede at 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' Screening

 

Allu Arjun Arrested After Woman Dies in Stampede at Pushpa 2: The Rule Screening

Hyderabad Police have arrested Telugu superstar Allu Arjun in connection with a tragic stampede that occurred during a screening of his latest film, Pushpa 2: The Rule. The incident, which took place on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman named Revathi and left her nine-year-old son, Sri Teja, hospitalized due to asphyxiation.

According to police, the stampede happened when a large crowd of fans gathered at the theatre at RTC Crossroads to catch a glimpse of the actor. A team from Chikkadpally police station arrested Allu Arjun at his Jubilee Hills residence and brought him in for questioning.

Details of the Incident

Revathi, who had come to watch the film with her son, succumbed to injuries sustained in the chaos. Her son is currently recovering in the hospital. Police have filed a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under Sections 105 and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Adding to the tragedy, another fan, 35-year-old Harijana Madhannappa, was found dead at a different screening of Pushpa 2 on Monday. He had attended the matinee show in Rayadurgam while reportedly intoxicated. Authorities are still investigating the cause of his death.

Allu Arjun’s Response

Following the incident, Allu Arjun filed a plea in the High Court to dismiss the FIR and halt any further legal proceedings against him. The court is expected to hear the matter soon. In the meantime, the actor announced a financial assistance package of ₹25 lakh for Revathi's family.

This heartbreaking event has cast a shadow over the highly anticipated release of Pushpa 2: The Rule, sparking concerns about crowd management and safety at such events.

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All the Big Announcements from The Game Awards 2024

 

The Game Awards 2024 has officially wrapped up, and what a night it was! Packed with exciting world premieres, sleek new trailers, and big debuts, the event delivered on all fronts. Plenty of well-deserving winners walked away with awards, and fans were treated to some incredible surprises along the way.

Below, we’ve rounded up the biggest announcements from the night. Keep reading for a detailed recap of everything that happened during this unforgettable event!

Biggest Announcements from The Game Awards 2024

The Game Awards 2024 delivered an unforgettable night packed with exciting announcements, world premieres, and jaw-dropping reveals. Here’s a recap of the biggest highlights:

1. Naughty Dog’s New Franchise
   Naughty Dog unveiled its next game, a sci-fi adventure exclusive to PS5. Promising the studio’s “wildest, most creative story” and “deepest gameplay” yet, this marks the beginning of a brand-new franchise.

2. First Look at The Witcher 4
   CD Projekt RED shared the first trailer for The Witcher 4, confirming Ciri as the main protagonist. However, fans couldn’t help but notice a familiar voice that sounded like Geralt at the end.

3. Okami Sequel Confirmed
   After 18 long years, Capcom announced an Okami sequel is in development, with the original director Hideki Kamiya leading the project.

4. Borderlands 4 Gameplay Premiere
   Gearbox debuted the first gameplay trailer for Borderlands 4, showcasing new Vault Hunters and chaotic action.

5. FromSoftware’s Elden Ring: Nightreign
   FromSoftware revealed Elden Ring: Nightreign, a standalone co-op roguelike adventure for up to three players, launching in 2025. Despite the format shift to “survival action” gameplay, the studio clarified that it’s not a live service game. A network test is scheduled for next year.

6. Helldivers 2 Update Live Now
   Helldivers 2 introduced the Omens of Tyranny update, bringing back the Illuminate faction. The update is live now.

7. New Co-op Game Split Fiction
   From the creators of It Takes Two, Split Fiction is a new co-op adventure launching in March. True to their style, only one copy is needed for you and a friend to play together.

8. Fumito Ueda’s Next Game
   The visionary director of Ico and Shadow of the Colossus revealed his next project, a breathtaking story about a boy and a mech.

9. Yu Suzuki’s Anime-Inspired Game
   The Shenmue creator announced his next title, packed with vibrant anime vibes and set for release next year.

10. Warren Spector’s Thick as Thieves
    The legendary Deus Ex designer debuted Thick as Thieves, a PvPvE stealth-action game that redefines immersive sims.

11. Blasphemous Devs Tackle Ninja Gaiden
    The team behind Blasphemous revealed they’re working on the first 2D Ninja Gaiden game in nearly 30 years, blending retro charm with modern design.

This year’s Game Awards proved to be a celebration of creativity and innovation, leaving gamers with plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.

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49ers Criticize De'Vondre Campbell for 'Selfish' Decision to Sit Out

 

49ers Call Out De’Vondre Campbell’s Decision to Refuse Playing Time

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — During Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, the San Francisco 49ers faced a growing list of injuries at linebacker. By the middle of the third quarter, with Dre Greenlaw dealing with knee soreness and Dee Winters sidelined by a neck injury, the team turned to veteran linebacker De’Vondre Campbell to step in.

Campbell declined.

Instead of taking the field, Campbell remained on the sideline, and by the fourth quarter, he walked to the locker room with a towel draped over his head without playing a single snap.

After the 49ers’ 12-6 loss at Levi’s Stadium, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed frustration over Campbell’s actions. Shanahan confirmed that the veteran chose not to play despite the team’s depleted lineup.

“He said he didn’t want to play today,” Shanahan told reporters. The coach explained that the plan was for Campbell to step in when Greenlaw left the game due to his knee issue—Greenlaw’s first game back after recovering from an Achilles injury in Super Bowl LVIII. When Campbell refused, the team turned to Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, the last healthy linebacker on the roster.

As the third quarter ended, Campbell headed to the locker room, leaving the team and coaches stunned.

“People noticed, but when someone says that, you move on,” Shanahan said. “That’s somebody who doesn’t want to play football. It’s pretty simple. I think our team and myself know how we feel about that, so we don’t need to talk about him anymore.”

When asked if Campbell would be released, Shanahan responded, “We’ll figure out something.”

Players React to Campbell’s Actions

The loss, which likely ends the 49ers’ playoff hopes, was compounded by the fallout from Campbell’s decision. While some players refrained from commenting, citing a lack of information, others did not hold back.

Tight end George Kittle was particularly vocal, calling Campbell’s behavior a distraction and expressing disappointment over not being present to address the situation directly.

“I’m a leader on this team, and if that kind of distraction happens on the sideline, I would’ve loved to step in,” Kittle said. “It’s ignorant. It’s dumb. It’s very immature. I don’t understand how you could do that to your team.”

Kittle added, “It’s one person making a selfish decision. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I hope I never do again.”

Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who played earlier this season just weeks after the loss of his 1-year-old daughter, was equally frustrated.

“He’s a professional,” Ward said. “If he didn’t want to play, he shouldn’t have suited up. He could’ve told them before the game. What he did was selfish. It definitely hurt the team. Dee went down, and we needed a linebacker. For him to do that—it's selfish.”

Ward didn’t mince words about Campbell’s future, saying, “He’s probably going to get cut soon. It is what it is.”

Campbell’s Role and Future

The 49ers signed Campbell in March as a free agent from the Green Bay Packers. Initially brought in as a temporary starter while Greenlaw recovered, Campbell played a significant role early in the season, starting 12 of the first 13 games. He logged 79 tackles, including three for a loss, and defended two passes.

However, with Greenlaw back, Campbell’s role diminished, and the team started Thursday’s game with Greenlaw and Fred Warner as the primary linebackers. Campbell’s refusal to play, despite the injuries piling up, now raises serious questions about his future with the team.

As Shanahan and the 49ers deliberate their next steps, the incident has left a sour note in what was already a disappointing loss for a team struggling to keep its playoff hopes alive.

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Astro Bot Takes Game of the Year, Witcher 4 and Naughty Dog's New Game Announced—Highlights from the Game Awards

Astro Bot Shines at Game Awards, Sony and Sega Celebrate Big Wins

The annual Game Awards crowned Astro Bot as its "Game of the Year," and the platformer wasn’t done collecting trophies. It also took home awards for “Best Game Direction,” “Best Action/Adventure Game,” and “Best Family Game.”

In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Nicolas Doucet, the director of Astro Bot, shared his gratitude for the honor. Doucet reflected on the importance of creating a game that might become the first many children play, calling it a “huge privilege.” He also gave a nod to Nintendo’s iconic Mario series, acknowledging it as the inspiration behind making a platformer.

Sony had more reasons to celebrate. Its unexpected hit of the year, Helldivers II, earned the awards for “Best Multiplayer Game” and “Best Ongoing Game.” Meanwhile, Sega’s highly praised RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio was another standout winner, taking home prizes for “Best Role-Playing Game,” “Best Narrative,” and “Best Art Direction.”

Among indie games, Balatro—a card game developed by a solo creator—swept three categories: “Best Independent Game,” “Best Debut Indie Game,” and “Best Mobile Game.” The indie hit surprised both critics and players with its creative gameplay and commercial success.

Big Announcements Steal the Show
As always, the awards ceremony wasn’t just about trophies. Several major game studios unveiled exciting new projects.

• Naughty Dog revealed its first original franchise in years with Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This sci-fi adventure introduces protagonist Jordan A. Mun, a dangerous bounty hunter portrayed by actress Tati Gabrielle. Kumail Nanjiani is also confirmed to feature in the game.
• CD Projekt RED gave fans a sneak peek of The Witcher 4, which will star Ciri as the main protagonist. This marks a major shift for the series, with Ciri stepping into the spotlight after her supporting role in previous games.
• FromSoftware announced Elden Ring: Nightreign, a spin-off from their award-winning 2022 title. Unlike the original, Nightreign will focus on co-op action and survival gameplay. It’s set to release next year.

Capcom Brings Back Cult Classics
Capcom made waves by reviving two beloved franchises.

• Onimusha: Way of the Sword marks the series’ return after nearly 20 years. Slated for a 2026 release, the game will retain its feudal Japan fantasy setting but serve as a soft reboot of the series.
• Fans of Okami have more to look forward to, as Capcom teased a sequel to the 2006 classic. Though details are scarce, the announcement thrilled long-time supporters of the visually stunning adventure game.

With unforgettable moments, exciting reveals, and big wins across the board, this year’s Game Awards proved to be a celebration of creativity and innovation in gaming.

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Cowboys lose on blocked punt gone horribly wrong in crushing ‘MNF’ defeat.

 

The Cowboys lost in a special way Monday night.

Dallas’ small playoff chances in this miserable season may have been all but extinguished during their clash against the Bengals when what could have been a potentially game-winning blocked punt instead ricocheted off a Dallas player and gave Cincinnati another possession.

The Bengals then scored a touchdown to escape AT&T Stadium with a 27-20 win and drop the Cowboys to 5-8 and three games back in the NFC wild-card hunt with four games remaining.

“Of course that locker room is really devastated by the turn of events on the blocked kick,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “Obviously, we had a blocked kick called, made the play … we all would say, ‘Why block the kick? Just take the kick and get in a field goal kick. We’ll be second-guessing that one.”

The Cowboys likely needed to win out to have a shot at the playoffs and they forced a punt deep in Cincinnati’s territory coming out of the two-minute warning.

Dallas went for a block and Nick Vigil stormed through the line and deflected the punt, with the ball landing around the Cincinnati 33-yard line and bouncing past the 40.

Cowboys cornerback Amani Oruwariye then made the critical mistake of attempting to field the ball, but the ball went right through his hands and into the arms of Bengals linebacker Maema Njongmeta.

ESPN captured the range of emotions on the play via special teams coach John Fassell, who jumped with joy after the block then looked like a broken man after the turnover.

“AO was in a vice situation and then he heard the roar of the crowd and when he turned — he understands the rule, crossing, once the ball crosses the line,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. “His response was when he turned, when he heard the crowd, the ball was there and he reacted to it.

Cincinnati, granted new life, went 57 yards on three plays to grab the 27-20 lead when Ja’Marr Chase scored his second touchdown, this one from 40 yards out with 1:01 remaining.

Dallas could not counter with a game-tying touchdown drive, allowing the Bengals to improve to 5-8 and at least keep the door open — albeit, the tiniest of a crack — for a potential playoff berth.

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“That mistake we made at the end was very impactful, that’s all I can say,” Jones said.

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'Joy Bangla' is not the national slogan of Bangladesh! The Appellate Division stayed the judgment of the High Court.

 

        

'Joy Bangla' is no longer the national slogan of Bangladesh. On March 10, 2020, the High Court of Bangladesh gave the status of 'Joy Bangla' as a national slogan based on a writ petition during Sheikh Hasina's tenure.

The High Court judgment also said that steps should be taken to use the slogan on national days, government events and educational institutions.But the interim government of Muhammad Yunus filed a leave to appeal against this judgment of the High Court in the Appellate Division.The Appellate Division granted the petition on Tuesday. 

A four-member Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed ordered the suspension of the High Court's verdict on the national slogan.In 2017, a lawyer of the Supreme Court of that country filed a writ petition requesting to declare 'Joy Bangla' as the national slogan of Bangladesh. 

The High Court gave that judgment based on that. Additional Attorney General of Bangladesh Aneek R Haque said on Tuesday,"After the order of the Appellate Division, 'Joy Bangla' will no longer be considered as the national slogan.

" Incidentally, during the liberation war of 1971, the slogan 'Joy Bangla' became popular among the freedom fighters. This popularity remained unbroken during the reign of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his party Awami Leag

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Chiefs survive with wild game-winning FG vs. Chargers on 'Sunday Night Football': Live reaction and updates

 

The Chiefs entered Sunday with 14 consecutive victories in games decided by one score, the longest streak in the NFL’s 105-year history. But even a routine game-winning kick was weird. Wright’s field goal was good but the ball hit the inside of the left upright before touching the net, a moment that led starting kicker Harrison Butker — who is out with a left knee injury — to smile and laugh.

As the Chiefs aim to capture an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl victory, this season has been about the team’s last-second victories. Including Sunday, half of the Chiefs’ 12 victories this season were decided on the final play — Butker’s game-winning kick over the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker Leo Chenal’s block in the win over the Denver Broncos, kicker Spencer Shrader’s field goal over the Panthers, running back Kareem Hunt’s touchdown in overtime over the Buccaneers and Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely’s right big toe being out of bounds instead of a touchdown as time expired.

Inserting D.J. Humphries, the eight-year veteran, at the left tackle position didn’t fix the Chiefs offense. Instead, Humphries did his best to help stabilize the offensive line. But Mahomes was hit 14 times by the Chargers and Humphries left the game with less than four minutes left because of a hamstring injury.

Similar to last week, the Chiefs scored only one touchdown, which happened just before halftime. Given the circumstances, though, Mahomes was still brilliant at times, especially when he was hit or about to get hit.

Mahomes made sure the Chargers never got the ball again when he rolled to his right on a critical third-and-7 play from the Chargers’ 20-yard line after the two-minute warning. Mahomes waited long enough — and avoided linebacker Daiyan Henley — to find tight end Travis Kelce for a nine-yard completion, setting up the game-winning field goal from Wright.

                                           

The Chargers defense played a valiant game, holding the Chiefs to 19 points. But the unit ran out of steam on the final drive. The Chiefs took over with 4:35 remaining. They did not give the ball back.

The Chargers had their chances. The Chiefs faced a third-and-10 on the first set of downs. The Chargers lost track of receiver Xavier Worthy over the middle of the field, and Mahomes was able to find him with an acrobatic throw amid pressure. The Chargers had kept Mahomes contained in the pocket all game. He escaped on a second-and-eight scramble to move the Chiefs into field goal range. Late in the drive, the Chiefs faced a third-and-7. Mahomes booted to his right off play action. No one covered Kelce, and Mahomes dumped it to his favorite target for a game-sealing conversion. Kelce had 45 yards on the game.

The Chargers slowed him down. But they did not get a body on him on the game’s most pivotal play. Kicker Cameron Dicker’s botched kickoff before the final drive did not reach the landing zone, and that gave the Chiefs prime field position to start the possession. The Chargers made too many mistakes down the stretch to beat a team who knows how to win.

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Rebels declare Syria liberated

 The Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS) has declared the country "liberated" after dictator President Bashar al-Assad fled the capital, Damascus.

"Dictator Bashar al-Assad has fled. This marks the end of a dark era and the beginning of a new one," HTS said in a Telegram post on Sunday morning.

 The Bashar al-Assad rebel group has fled Syria, announcing that "Syrians displaced or imprisoned during the Assad government's half-century rule can now return home."   

"This will be a 'new Syria', where everyone lives in peace and justice prevails," HTS said.

 The rebels began celebrating after hearing the news of Bashar al-Assad's escape. Earlier, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled by plane early Sunday morning.

After capturing the city of Homs, he flew to an unknown destination by plane as the rebels began to enter the capital Damascus.

 

                                    

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a war monitor, said a private plane, believed to be carrying Bashar al-Assad, took off from Damascus airport after being greeted by government forces at the airport.   

Media reports indicate that there has been no violence since the city of Homs was taken over.

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Real Madrid close on leaders Barcelona with 3-0 win at Girona

 

LaLiga - Girona v Real Madrid - Estadi Montilivi, Girona, Spain - Dec 7, 2024 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe in action with Girona's David Lopez REUTERS/Jon Nazca

Real Madrid narrowed the gap on LaLiga leaders Barcelona to two points with a commanding 3-0 win at Girona on Saturday thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe.   

Second-placed Real have 36 points with a game in hand on Barca, who drew 2-2 at Real Betis. Girona suffered a sixth loss in 16 league matches and remain eighth on 22 points, two points off the European spots.

Bellingham opened the scoring in the 36th minute by capitalising on a loose ball and firing home from the centre of the box before setting up Guler with a fine through ball to double the lead 10 minutes after the break.

The England midfielder, who scored for a fifth consecutive LaLiga match, was having an outstanding game but was forced off after taking a knock shortly before Mbappe made it 3-0 with a shot from a tight angle in the 62nd to wrap up the win.

LaLiga - Real Betis v FC Barcelona - Estadio Benito Villamarin, Seville, Spain - Dec 7, 2024 FC Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski in action with Real Betis' Romain Perraud REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo

Real boss Ancelotti told reporters Bellingham was alright but they also lost full-back Ferland Mendy to a muscular problem ahead of their Champions League clash at Atalanta on Tuesday.

"(Bellingham) is fine, he is available. We've had the muscle injury to Mendy but the rest of it is just knocks, nothing more," the Italian manager said.

Girona have struggled without key players through injury and now face difficult matches at home to Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday and away to Mallorca next Saturday in LaLiga.

"The team has suffered a lot of injuries. It's costing us more. We still have months to keep growing," Girona defender Miguel Gutierrez told Movistar.

"We have to keep going. We have two very important games. In the Champions League against Liverpool, we're playing to get through. In LaLiga against Mallorca."

Girona are 30th in the Champions League table, three points behind Real who are 24th and occupy the final qualifying spot for the playoffs.

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