Thomas Frank’s emotional return to the Gtech Community Stadium did not live up to its billing as Brentford held Tottenham to a thoroughly forgettable 0-0 draw on New Year’s Day. Frank led both teams out before kick-off and applauded the stadium where he spent seven years of his career, and received a warm response.
That was about the extent of his joy on the day, though, as Spurs were once again blunt, aimless, and uncreative. Their defence, bolstered by the returning Cristian Romero, was just about equal to Brentford’s attacks, and a goalless stalemate was a just result from a match mostly devoid of goalmouth action. Kevin Schade did have the ball in the back of the net early on, but it was ruled out after he was seen to have strayed narrowly offside in the build-up.
For Frank, the same awkward questions remain. He was roundly booed at full-time as fans seem to be quickly running out of patience with his side’s performances. Catch up with the action as it happened below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Stadium.
Brentford vs Tottenham latest news
- NO GOAL! Schade opener disallowed
- Tottenham XI
- Brentford XI
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham: Talking points
23:10 , Arthur FerridgeAnother tricky outing for Spurs, but what are the takeaways?
For Sam Tabuteau, they were:
- Thomas Frank running out of time to get his message across
- Archie Gray must improve to live up to hype
- Cristian Romero struggles on return
Tottenham player ratings vs Brentford: Pedro Porro best of a bad bunch as Wilson odobert fails audition
23:00 , Arthur FerridgeStandard Sport’s Sam Tabuteau was on hand at the Gtech Community Stadium to grade Spurs’ performance tonight.
He wasn’t overly impressed with any of Frank’s men, though...
MATCH REPORT: Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
22:48 , Arthur FerridgeThomas Frank was frustrated on his return to Brentford as Tottenham were held to a goalless draw at the Gtech Stadium.
Frank, who managed the Bees for seven years and 317 games, guiding them to promotion in 2021, was making his first trip back to west London since joining Spurs in the summer.
He received a warm reception as he strode out on to the pitch and applauded all four sides of his old ground before kick-off.
But that was about as good as it got for the Dane with Spurs not managing a single effort on target until stoppage time and their fans chanting 'boring, boring Tottenham' towards the end of a dour encounter.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
21:53 , Arthur FerridgeThat will not live long in the memory, blimey...
FT: Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:53 , Arthur FerridgeThe referee puts us out of our misery.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:52 , Arthur Ferridge90+5mins: Richarlison and Kolo Muani counter together, but the Brazilian’s cross is so poor. Kelleher claims with ease.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:52 , Arthur Ferridge90+4mins: Kayode lines up a long throw which does meet a Brentford head but goes nowhere worthwhile.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:50 , Arthur Ferridge90+3mins: Thiago comes forward at half speed and is tackled routinely by Romero. Spurs counter and Richarlison gets a smart shot off. Kelleher saves.
How long has it been since we last had a shot in this game?
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
21:48 , Arthur FerridgeNot sure anyone can be bothered for five minutes more of this game, it has been dreadful.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:48 , Arthur Ferridge90mins: Gray plays a poor pass into touch as the fourth official advertises five added minutes to unanimous groans of disappointment around the ground.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:44 , Arthur Ferridge86mins: Ajer is at full stretch to beat Richarlison to a loose ball in the six-yard box, and he requires treatment after that collision.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:37 , Arthur Ferridge80mins: Yarmoliuk and Schade are replaced by Nelson and Jensen.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
21:37 , Arthur FerridgePalhinha off, Tel on. A sign of intent, but all a bit late, from Frank.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:37 , Arthur Ferridge79mins: Another attacking change from Frank as Tel replaces Palhinha.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:35 , Arthur Ferridge78mins: Free-kick to Brentford, now, at the corner of the 18-yard box. Score here and that would likely decide it...
But Henderson’s cross is safely into the hands of Vicario.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:34 , Arthur Ferridge77mins: Henderson’s corner is the latest to go unclaimed, but Brentford come again through Schade, whose pass for Thiago doesn’t quite reach its man.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:32 , Arthur Ferridge75mins: There have been just two shots on target in the second half - one for either side.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:31 , Arthur Ferridge74mins: Porro’s corner falls to Kudus, who hits another stinging volley and sees it blocked.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:26 , Arthur Ferridge69mins: Kayode does brilliantly to get the better of Spence and break into the box - he tees up Thiago with a really presentable chance, and he launches it well over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box.
That was an absolute sitter. Should have been the opener.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:25 , Arthur Ferridge68mins: Schade is set haring away after a loose ball on the counter, but Spurs track back impressively to halt his progress. With just over 20 minutes remaining, still neither side looks willing to budge.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:23 , Arthur Ferridge66mins: Brentford are looking just about the most threatening they have all evening. They spend a couple of minutes parked in the attacking third, but cannot upset Vicario.
Changes for Spurs as Kolo Muani replaces Odobert.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:20 , Arthur Ferridge63mins: Big save from Vicario to deny Janelt!
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:20 , Arthur Ferridge63mins: Richarlison is first to the Brentford corner.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:19 , Arthur Ferridge62mins: Lewis-Potter shoots into the wall and wins a corner for Brentford.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:19 , Arthur Ferridge61mins: Just the six Spurs players in the wall, plus Mohammed Kudus playing draught excluder.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:18 , Arthur Ferridge60mins: Palhinha catches Yarmoliuk late with a reckless sliding tackle and goes into the book. That’ll be a free-kick for Brentford just on the edge of the D - what a good time to score this would be...
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
21:17 , Arthur FerridgeNever much in that challenge from Schade. Correct decision from the referee not to award a penalty.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:16 , Arthur Ferridge59mins: Jordan Henderson was booked for dissent in the midst of that referee scrum.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:15 , Arthur Ferridge58mins: And Gray’s penalty shout has been cleared, too!
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:15 , Arthur Ferridge58mins: VAR have checked and cleared the Romero incident.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:14 , Arthur Ferridge57mins: A penalty shout for Spurs down the other end, then, as Gray takes a tumble in the box - but his appeals are waved away!
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:14 , Arthur Ferridge57mins: Romero and Thiago chase down a ball over the top together. The Argentine makes a real hash of his clearance, taking the man down and appearing to handle the ball too. Somehow, he gets away without play stopping...
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
21:12 , Arthur FerridgeThat sequence sums up the game. Mis hit from Lewis-Potter, yet Spurs so nearly contrive to concede as Spence and van de Ven struggle to clear.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:11 , Arthur Ferridge53mins: So close! Yarmoliuk squares one for Lewis-Potter, who badly scuffs his shot and is clumsily cleared by Van de Ven.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:10 , Arthur Ferridge52mins: Palhinha floats one in for Kudus, who brings it down but is smothered by Kelleher before he can get a shot off. The flag is up, anyway.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
21:09 , Arthur FerridgeSpurs have been better this half, but that really is not saying much.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:08 , Arthur Ferridge51mins: Must be said, there has been far mroe action in the first five minutes of this half than there were in the entire first half.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:08 , Arthur Ferridge51mins: Romero arrives late in the Brentford box and gets a shot off, but it is blocked immediately. Rebound falls to Kudus who smacks one in the general direction of Kelleher. It fizzes over the bar.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:07 , Arthur Ferridge50mins: The free-kick is some 30 yards out, dead centre. Porro stands over it and plays short to Kudus, who is promptly closed down by Janelt. Bit of a waste, that.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:06 , Arthur Ferridge49mins: Richarlison cops another foul, this time from Yarmoliuk and much closer to goal. Can Spurs do something with this?
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:05 , Arthur Ferridge48mins: Lewis-Potter spearheads a new Brentford offensive but is caught out by Richarlison, whom he subsequently fouls.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:04 , Arthur Ferridge46mins: Spurs already look a tad livelier here. Spence plays Odobert in behind seconds into the half, but he puts his cross behind Kelleher’s net for a goal-kick.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:03 , Arthur Ferridge46mins: Curiously, no changes for either side at the break.
2ND HALF: Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
21:02 , Arthur FerridgeBack underway in Kew!
Around the grounds
21:00 , Arthur FerridgeThere is one more Premier League match ongoing at the moment.
And would you believe, it’s goalless!
That is Man City vs Sunderland at the Etihad.
Hopefully both of these late kick-offs will enjoy a bit of second-half drama.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
20:50 , Arthur Ferridge0-0 in all senses of the word. Very attritional game
H/T: Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:47 , Arthur FerridgeDeadlocked at the break.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:47 , Arthur Ferridge45mins: Fourth official calls for one added minute, and that feels too much. Half the home support are already queuing up for a Bovril.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:45 , Arthur Ferridge44mins: The throw falls to Odobert on the edge of the area and he catches it sweetly on the half volley, though his shot is blocked long before it can reach the goal.
Brentford counter through Schade, whose shot is also blocked.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:44 , Arthur Ferridge44mins: Bentancur clips one in for the onrushing Porro, but Rico Henry gets there first and concedes a throw.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
20:43 , Arthur FerridgeOdobert's audition for the left wing spot has not gone to plan so far. Difficult half for the 21-year-old.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:41 , Arthur Ferridge41mins: Brentford have a free-kick on the right flank, about 35 yards back from the byline. They attempt a training ground move which does not come off, and the Spurs counter is similarly uninspiring.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:38 , Arthur Ferridge38mins: Igor Thiago leaps over Bentancur for an aerial, misses the ball and lands hard. He is straight back up to his feet, though, and will carry on.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:36 , Arthur Ferridge35mins: Yarmoliuk takes an ambitious volley on his weak foot and sends it into the stratosphere.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:34 , Arthur Ferridge33mins: Nota bene - that combination play between Richardson and Gray was the match’s first shot on target.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:33 , Arthur Ferridge32mins: How’s that for commentator’s curse? Richarlison pulls one back to Gray who heads at goal and forces a smart block from Henderson.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
20:32 , Arthur FerridgeOnly Archie Gray has had less touches than Richarlison for Spurs so far. Do not know whether that reflects worse on Tottenham's midfield or their lack of attacking intent.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:30 , Arthur Ferridge29mins: Kudus looks to make something happen, but is immediately swarmed by three men in striped shirts and loses the ball.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:29 , Arthur Ferridge28mins: With that said, Brentford have also struggled to create much here. Spurs are sitting in a very compact shape off the ball, and have just about every man behind it.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
20:27 , Arthur FerridgeFrank said he was disappointed with his team in possession against Palace. they have not been any better here. Brentford on top.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:26 , Arthur Ferridge25mins: Lewis-Potter and Henderson combine nicely to set the former into space, but Van de Ven deals with his cross all too easily.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:24 , Arthur Ferridge23mins: As we reach the half-way stage of the first-half, you could only really describe this match as dull. Not an awful lot has gone on.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:22 , Arthur Ferridge22mins: Vicario’s bungled clearance falls to Yarmoluk and then Rico Henry, who badly miss-hits his cross and can only apologise.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:21 , Arthur Ferridge20mins: Kayode does eventually get his throw away and it is cleared by Kudus.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:21 , Arthur Ferridge20mins: Hold on - Bentanur goes down in the box after some argie-bargie with Henderson.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:20 , Arthur Ferridge19mins: Kayode long throw klaxon!
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:18 , Arthur Ferridge17mins: Odobert looks to sneak into the box but is stopped short by Ajer.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
20:17 , Arthur FerridgeNot much to report so far. This game is following a similar pattern to Spurs' victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. Frank will be hoping for the same result.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:16 , Arthur Ferridge16mins: Ajer knocks one long for Thiago, but he can’t quite bring it down.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:15 , Arthur Ferridge14mins: This has been quite a bitty opening stanza. Brentford are composed in possession but Spurs are defending them effectively. They have had very little quality on the ball, though, and are yet to trouble the Bees back-line.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:12 , Arthur Ferridge11mins: Schade is down injured after being caught by Romero off the ball as Brentford attempted a counter. He’s very lucky to get away without a booking for that.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:11 , Arthur Ferridge10mins: Brentford settle into a nice spell of possession here. Off the ball, their press has been quite effective, and Tottenham are taking the opposite approach. The Bees are looking to play quite direct football, which is yet to really trouble Spurs.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
20:07 , Arthur FerridgeBrentford think they have the dream start. Frank will be all too familiar with Andrews' ability to maximise set-pieces.
NO GOAL! Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:06 , Arthur Ferridge5mins: Schade has it in the back of the net from the corner, but the flag is up! Damsgaard is totally unmarked at the corner and Vicario does very well to parry his effort. Schade is first to the rebound but replays show he was well offside.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:05 , Arthur Ferridge4mins: A Kayode long throw taken from the half-way line earns Brentford a corner. Remarkable heave from the defender.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:04 , Arthur Ferridge3mins: Gray gets on the ball in the box and looks to bend one goalwards, but Ajer stands in his way.
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:03 , Arthur Ferridge2mins: Looks like it’ll be man-for-man in midfield this evening - both sides line up in a three. It is a fairly scrappy start here, though.
KICK-OFF! Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
20:00 , Arthur FerridgeWe are underway! Brentford are dressed in their traditional red-and-white stripes, and Spurs in a fetching yellow change strip.
Here we go!
19:57 , Arthur FerridgeThe players are out, and we will be underway momentarily!
Frank comes out ahead of the teams to applaud the fans at the Gtech, to whom he never bade a proper farewell.
Team news reminder
19:50 , Arthur FerridgeWith ten minutes to go until kick-off, a reminder of tonight’s XIs.
Brentford: Kelleher, Henry, Ajer, Collins, Kayode, Henderson, Yarmoliuk, Janelt, Schade, Thiago, Lewis-Potter
Tottenham: Vicario; Spence, Van de Ven Porro, Romero, Bentancur, Palhinha, Gray, Kudus, Richarlison, Odobert
Master vs apprentice?
19:46 , Arthur FerridgeThomas Frank this evening will face his former assistant, Keith Andrews, who is now head coach at Brentford.
Results elsewhere
19:38 , Arthur FerridgeBoth early kick-offs have come to a close now.
Liverpool were held goalless at home by Leeds, but Tom Cairney’s late strike ensured Fulham could nick a point from Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Community Stadium
19:38 , Arthur FerridgeOur reporter Sam Tabuteau is wrapped up warm and situated in the Gtech Community Stadium press box.
Here he is with everything you need to know about this evening’s affair.
🗣️ "The master and the apprentice - Thomas Frank faces his former set-piece coach."@tabuteauS previews tonight's tie and runs down Spurs' various absentees...
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) January 1, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/gl59mpBT0t#BRETOT pic.twitter.com/NErzxO1yWa
Bergvall latest
19:30 , Arthur FerridgeThomas Frank has issued the following update on the state of Lucas Bergvall’s injury.
“Unfortunately, Lucas (Bergvall) hasn’t made it. He had a smaller adductor issue so could not make it for this game.”
An emotional homecoming for Frank?
19:21 , Arthur FerridgeThomas Frank pictured during the pre-match pitch inspection...
Frank returns to Brentford
19:12 , Arthur FerridgeThomas Frank managed Brentford for seven years before joining Tottenham last summer. Tonight, he revisits the Gtech Stadium for the first time since departing. Here’s what he had to say about the occasion.
“That one cannot be business as usual.
“That is special. I don't think I have thought that much about a game when it's coming back to me.
“I'm actually happy that I have those emotions, because that means it meant something to me.
“The nine years I spent at Brentford, almost seven as a head coach. Brentford Football Club, the fans and especially the people I work closely with, they have a special place in my heart.
“That's the longest time I've ever been in a club, and we achieved incredible things together.”
Milestone for Vicario
19:04 , Arthur FerridgeGuglielmo Vicario starts for Spurs tonight, and in doing so will make his 100th appearance for the club.
He hasn’t quite been at his best this season - can he mark the occasion with a big performance here?
Sam Tabuteau at the Gtech Stadium
18:55 , Arthur FerridgeNo Brennan Johnson in the Tottenham squad vs Brentford as he closes in on a move to Crystal Palace. Lucas Bergvall also misses out after suffering a muscular injury last weekend. Big opportunity for Wilson Odobert on the left wing.
BRENTFORD CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS
18:48 , Arthur FerridgeAnd the hosts...
Brentford XI: Kelleher, Henry, Ajer, Collins, Kayode, Henderson, Yarmoliuk, Janelt, Schade, Thiago, Lewis-Potter
Subs: Valdimarsson, Hickey, van Den Berg, Pinnock, Jensen, Nelson, Damsgaard, Konak, Donovan
TOTTENHAM CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS
18:46 , Arthur FerridgeThomas Frank names his side!
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Spence, Van de Ven Porro, Romero, Bentancur, Palhinha, Gray, Kudus, Richarlison, Odobert
Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Dragusin, Danso, Tel, Davies, Kolo Muani, Scarlett, Olusesi
Igor Thiago latest
18:41 , Arthur FerridgeIt remains unclear whether Brentford’s star striker Igor Thiago will feature this evening.
Keith Andrews revealed this week he had been playing through a knock for some time.
“He had a bit of an issue, nothing to do with his injury last season at all. This time of year, the amount of games, it takes its toll and we need to be careful with some players at times,” Andrews told a press conference.
“He showed a lot of bravery and courage to play against Wolves, gave us that platform. I thought he played really well against Wolves and gave us that base to win the game.
“Players fed off him – Keane Lewis-Potter with his goals and Kev (Shade) that day was looking dangerous.
“There’s nothing too much to worry about with Thiago. He’s showed a lot of courage and put the team before himself going into the last couple of games.”
Brentford vs Tottenham head to head
18:37 , Arthur FerridgeBrentford wins: 7
Tottenham wins: 28
Draws: 16
Brennan Johnson latest from Sam Tabuteau
18:32 , Arthur FerridgeBrennan Johnson is close to sealing a £35million move to Crystal Palace.
The Tottenham winger is expected to undergo medical tests over the next 24 hours, with Palace keen to name Johnson in their squad to face Newcastle on Sunday.
The clubs agreed the deal in late December, but the transfer was subject to Johnson’s approval, which has now been granted.
The Welsh international has struggled for game time under Thomas Frank, starting just six times in the Premier League.
Tottenham predicted XI
18:29 , Arthur FerridgeTeam news will be released at 6.45pm, but how might Tottenham line up here?
This is what our Sam Tabuteau thinks...
Predicted Tottenham XI (4-3-3): Vicario; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Porro; Bentancur, Gray, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Kudus
Injured: Solanke, Maddison, Udogie, Kulusevski
Doubt: Bergvall
Unavailable: Bissouma, Sarr (AFCON)
Suspended: Simons
Last time out
18:21 , Arthur FerridgeTottenham faced Brentford for the first time this season just a few weeks ago. Reminisce on the action here...
A wonderful individual display by Xavi Simons inspired Tottenham to a first Premier League home win since August with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Brentford.
Pressure had started to mount on Thomas Frank after a succession of tepid home displays and a run of three defeats in four matches, but for the visit of his old club he recalled Xavi to great effect.
It took Xavi only 25 minutes to set up Richarlison’s opener before the £52million playmaker got off the mark in his 19th appearance with a fine solo goal in the 43rd minute to clinch Spurs only a fourth home win in the league in 2025.
Frank embraced Brentford boss Keith Andrews before kick-off and multiple members of the visitors’ backroom staff, but it was quickly down to business, with Xavi given his first start since November 8.
Xavi’s recent exclusion had puzzled fans and he was in the thick of the action in the early exchanges as Tottenham attempted to start strongly after a shambolic opening against Fulham.
READ THE FULL MATCH REPORT HERE
Around the grounds
18:19 , Arthur FerridgeThere are a handful of other Premier League matches on this evening, with two already underway.
Come half-time, Crystal Palace lead Fulham by one goal to nil, with Jean-Philippe Mateta responsible for the first Premier League goal of the new year.
Further north, Liverpool and Leeds remain deadlocked come half-time.
A new year for Spurs
18:13 , Arthur Ferridge2025 was a year of highs and lows for Tottenham.
The high, obviously, being victory in the Europa League final, comes in stark contrast to the lows.
Tottenham played 37 Premier League matches in 2025, per TalkSport, and won just 11 of them.
Here’s hoping for improved domestic fortunes in the new year then, eh?
Frank under pressure?
18:05 , Arthur FerridgeThomas Frank’s first season in north London has been far from perfect, and he has been under considerable scrutiny in recent weeks.
The Dane comes into this meeting with his former club having won just three of his last ten matches.
Some of that managerial intensity will have faded tonight as the global media fret over Chelsea’s divorce with Enzo Maresca, though a win would still go a very long way for Frank this evening.
More on Brennan Johnson
17:56 , Arthur FerridgeBrennan Johnson’s £35m transfer from Tottenham to Crystal Palace is all but confirmed.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has given the move the famed ‘here we go’ treatment.
BBC Sport had previously reported the player was not entirely convinced by the move, but that he held talks with Oliver Glasner today and settled on a move south of the river.
Standard Sport prediction: Points to be shared
17:50 , Arthur FerridgeBrentford are at home and will be buoyed by two positive results in their last two games.
They beat Bournemouth 4-1 in their last game and won 2-0 against Wolves the game before.
Igor Thiago has been in excellent form this season and has 11 Premier League goals already. He is, however, a slight doubt for the game.
Frank will be hoping he can do the double over his former side with another win, but Tottenham have a less than ideal squad available for the game.
It also remains to be seen how the Gtech Community Stadium will welcome Frank, and what effect that has.
Draw, 1-1.
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