diff --git a/main.go b/main.go
index 9e77b12..1821bfd 100644
--- a/main.go
+++ b/main.go
@@ -17,6 +17,14 @@ import (
 	"golang.org/x/time/rate"
 )
 
+// min returns the smaller of x or y.
+func min(x, y int) int {
+	if x > y {
+		return y
+	}
+	return x
+}
+
 // createDefaultHTTPClient creates a new http.Client with settings optimized for OIDC communication.
 // It configures the transport with specific timeouts (dial, keepalive, TLS handshake, idle connection),
 // connection limits (max idle, max per host), enables HTTP/2, and sets a default request timeout.
@@ -442,6 +450,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) initializeMetadata(providerURL string) {
 	metadata, err := t.metadataCache.GetMetadata(providerURL, t.httpClient, t.logger)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to get provider metadata: %v", err)
+		// Consider retrying or handling this more gracefully
 		return
 	}
 
@@ -457,7 +466,8 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) initializeMetadata(providerURL string) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	t.logger.Error("Received nil metadata")
+	t.logger.Error("Received nil metadata during initialization")
+	// Consider what should happen if metadata is nil after GetMetadata returns no error
 }
 
 // updateMetadataEndpoints updates the relevant endpoint URL fields (jwksURL, authURL, tokenURL, etc.)
@@ -497,6 +507,8 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) startMetadataRefresh(providerURL string) {
 		if metadata != nil {
 			t.updateMetadataEndpoints(metadata)
 			t.logger.Debug("Successfully refreshed metadata")
+		} else {
+			t.logger.Error("Received nil metadata during refresh")
 		}
 	}
 }
@@ -544,7 +556,7 @@ func discoverProviderMetadata(providerURL string, httpClient *http.Client, l *Lo
 		if delay > maxDelay {
 			delay = maxDelay
 		}
-		l.Debugf("Failed to fetch provider metadata, retrying in %s", delay)
+		l.Debugf("Failed to fetch provider metadata (attempt %d/%d), retrying in %s. Error: %v", attempt+1, maxRetries, delay, err)
 		time.Sleep(delay)
 	}
 
@@ -568,64 +580,56 @@ func fetchMetadata(wellKnownURL string, httpClient *http.Client) (*ProviderMetad
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to fetch provider metadata: %w", err)
 	}
 	if resp == nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("received nil response from provider")
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("received nil response from provider at %s", wellKnownURL)
 	}
 	defer resp.Body.Close()
 
 	if resp.StatusCode != http.StatusOK {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to fetch provider metadata: status code %d", resp.StatusCode)
+		bodyBytes, _ := io.ReadAll(resp.Body)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to fetch provider metadata from %s: status code %d, body: %s", wellKnownURL, resp.StatusCode, string(bodyBytes))
 	}
 
 	var metadata ProviderMetadata
 	if err := json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&metadata); err != nil {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to decode provider metadata: %w", err)
+		// Attempt to read body for better error context if decoding fails
+		// Note: resp.Body might be partially read by Decode, so read remaining
+		bodyBytes, readErr := io.ReadAll(io.MultiReader(json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Buffered(), resp.Body))
+		if readErr != nil {
+			bodyBytes = []byte(fmt.Sprintf("(failed to read response body: %v)", readErr))
+		}
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to decode provider metadata from %s: %w. Response body: %s", wellKnownURL, err, string(bodyBytes))
 	}
 
 	return &metadata, nil
 }
 
 // ServeHTTP is the main entry point for incoming requests to the middleware.
-// It orchestrates the OIDC authentication flow:
-//  1. Waits for initial OIDC metadata discovery to complete (with timeout).
-//  2. Checks if the request path is excluded from authentication.
-//  3. Checks if the request is for Server-Sent Events and bypasses if so.
-//  4. Retrieves the user's session; initiates authentication if the session is invalid/missing.
-//  5. Handles specific paths for OIDC callback (/callback) and logout (/logout).
-//  6. Checks the user's authentication status using isUserAuthenticated (verifies token, checks expiry).
-//  7. If the token is expired, handles it (initiates re-auth).
-//  8. If the user is not authenticated, initiates authentication.
-//  9. If the token needs proactive refresh (nearing expiry), attempts refreshToken. Handles refresh failure
-//     by returning 401 for API clients or initiating re-auth for browsers.
-//  10. If authenticated and token is valid, performs authorization checks (allowed domain, roles/groups).
-//  11. If authorized, sets user/token information in request headers (X-Forwarded-User, X-Auth-Request-*)
-//     and adds security headers (X-Frame-Options, etc.) to the response.
-//  12. Forwards the request to the next handler in the chain.
+// It orchestrates the OIDC authentication flow.
 func (t *TraefikOidc) ServeHTTP(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request) {
+	// --- Initialization Check ---
 	select {
 	case <-t.initComplete:
-		if t.issuerURL == "" {
-			t.logger.Error("OIDC provider metadata initialization failed")
-			http.Error(rw, "OIDC provider metadata initialization failed - please check provider availability", http.StatusServiceUnavailable)
+		if t.issuerURL == "" { // Check if initialization actually succeeded
+			t.logger.Error("OIDC provider metadata initialization failed or incomplete")
+			http.Error(rw, "OIDC provider metadata initialization failed - please check provider availability and configuration", http.StatusServiceUnavailable)
 			return
 		}
 	case <-req.Context().Done():
-		t.logger.Debug("Request cancelled")
-		http.Error(rw, "Request cancelled", http.StatusServiceUnavailable)
+		t.logger.Debug("Request cancelled while waiting for OIDC initialization")
+		http.Error(rw, "Request cancelled", http.StatusRequestTimeout) // 408 might be more appropriate
 		return
-	case <-time.After(30 * time.Second):
+	case <-time.After(30 * time.Second): // Timeout for initialization
 		t.logger.Error("Timeout waiting for OIDC initialization")
-		http.Error(rw, "Timeout waiting for OIDC provider initialization - please try again", http.StatusServiceUnavailable)
+		http.Error(rw, "Timeout waiting for OIDC provider initialization - please try again later", http.StatusServiceUnavailable)
 		return
 	}
 
-	// Check if URL is excluded
+	// --- Excluded Paths & SSE Check ---
 	if t.determineExcludedURL(req.URL.Path) {
 		t.logger.Debugf("Request path %s excluded by configuration, bypassing OIDC", req.URL.Path)
 		t.next.ServeHTTP(rw, req)
 		return
 	}
-
-	// Check if the request expects Server-Sent Events
 	acceptHeader := req.Header.Get("Accept")
 	if strings.Contains(acceptHeader, "text/event-stream") {
 		t.logger.Debugf("Request accepts text/event-stream (%s), bypassing OIDC", acceptHeader)
@@ -633,80 +637,119 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) ServeHTTP(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	// Get session
+	// --- Session Retrieval ---
 	session, err := t.sessionManager.GetSession(req)
 	if err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Error getting session: %v", err)
-
-		// Obtain a new session and clear any residual session cookies
-		session, _ = t.sessionManager.GetSession(req)
-		session.Clear(req, rw)
-
-		// Build redirect URL
+		// Log the specific session error
+		t.logger.Errorf("Error getting session: %v. Initiating authentication.", err)
+		// Attempt to get a new session to store CSRF etc.
+		session, _ = t.sessionManager.GetSession(req) // Ignore error here, proceed with new session
+		if session != nil {
+			// Pass rw to ensure expiring cookies are sent if possible
+			if clearErr := session.Clear(req, rw); clearErr != nil {
+				t.logger.Errorf("Error clearing potentially corrupted session: %v", clearErr)
+			}
+		} else {
+			// If even getting a new session fails, something is very wrong
+			t.logger.Error("Critical session error: Failed to get even a new session.")
+			http.Error(rw, "Critical session error", http.StatusInternalServerError)
+			return
+		}
 		scheme := t.determineScheme(req)
 		host := t.determineHost(req)
 		redirectURL := buildFullURL(scheme, host, t.redirURLPath)
-
-		// Initiate authentication
 		t.defaultInitiateAuthentication(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
 		return
 	}
 
-	// Build redirect URL
+	// --- URL Handling (Callback, Logout) ---
 	scheme := t.determineScheme(req)
 	host := t.determineHost(req)
-	redirectURL := buildFullURL(scheme, host, t.redirURLPath)
+	redirectURL := buildFullURL(scheme, host, t.redirURLPath) // Used for callback and re-auth
 
-	// Handle special URLs
 	if req.URL.Path == t.logoutURLPath {
 		t.handleLogout(rw, req)
 		return
 	}
-
 	if req.URL.Path == t.redirURLPath {
 		t.handleCallback(rw, req, redirectURL)
 		return
 	}
 
-	// Check authentication status
+	// --- Authentication & Refresh Logic ---
 	authenticated, needsRefresh, expired := t.isUserAuthenticated(session)
 
 	if expired {
+		t.logger.Debug("Session token is definitively expired or invalid, initiating re-auth")
+		// handleExpiredToken clears the session and initiates auth
 		t.handleExpiredToken(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
 		return
 	}
 
-	if !authenticated {
-		// Original logic: Always initiate authentication if not authenticated
-		t.logger.Debug("User not authenticated, initiating OIDC flow")
-		t.defaultInitiateAuthentication(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
+	// If authenticated and token doesn't need proactive refresh, proceed directly
+	if authenticated && !needsRefresh {
+		t.logger.Debug("User authenticated and token valid, proceeding to process authorized request")
+		t.processAuthorizedRequest(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
+		return
+	}
+
+	// --- Attempt Refresh if Needed or Possible ---
+	// Conditions to attempt refresh:
+	// 1. Token needs proactive refresh (authenticated=true, needsRefresh=true)
+	// 2. Token is invalid/expired but a refresh token exists (authenticated=false, needsRefresh=true)
+	refreshTokenPresent := session.GetRefreshToken() != ""
+	shouldAttemptRefresh := needsRefresh && refreshTokenPresent
+
+	if shouldAttemptRefresh {
+		if needsRefresh && authenticated {
+			t.logger.Debug("Session token needs proactive refresh, attempting refresh")
+		} else if needsRefresh && !authenticated {
+			t.logger.Debug("Access token invalid/expired, but refresh token found. Attempting refresh.")
+		}
+
+		refreshed := t.refreshToken(rw, req, session)
+		if refreshed {
+			// Refresh succeeded, proceed to authorization checks
+			t.logger.Debug("Token refresh successful, proceeding to process authorized request")
+			t.processAuthorizedRequest(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
+			return
+		}
+
+		// Refresh failed
+		t.logger.Infof("Token refresh failed (authenticated=%v, needsRefresh=%v, refreshTokenPresent=%v)", authenticated, needsRefresh, refreshTokenPresent)
+		// Handle refresh failure (401 for API, re-auth for browser)
+		acceptHeader := req.Header.Get("Accept")
+		if strings.Contains(acceptHeader, "application/json") {
+			t.logger.Debug("Client accepts JSON, sending 401 Unauthorized on refresh failure")
+			rw.Header().Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
+			rw.WriteHeader(http.StatusUnauthorized)
+			json.NewEncoder(rw).Encode(map[string]string{"error": "unauthorized", "message": "Token refresh failed"})
+		} else {
+			t.logger.Debug("Client does not prefer JSON, handling refresh failure by initiating re-auth")
+			// Use defaultInitiateAuthentication which clears the session properly
+			t.defaultInitiateAuthentication(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
+		}
 		return // Stop processing
 	}
 
-	if needsRefresh {
-		refreshed := t.refreshToken(rw, req, session)
-		if !refreshed {
-			t.logger.Infof("Token refresh failed") // Changed from Warn to Infof
-			// Check if the client prefers JSON (likely an API call)
-			acceptHeader := req.Header.Get("Accept")
-			if strings.Contains(acceptHeader, "application/json") {
-				t.logger.Debug("Client accepts JSON, sending 401 Unauthorized on refresh failure")
-				rw.Header().Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
-				rw.WriteHeader(http.StatusUnauthorized)
-				json.NewEncoder(rw).Encode(map[string]string{"error": "unauthorized", "message": "Token refresh failed"})
-			} else {
-				// Client likely a browser, initiate full re-authentication
-				t.logger.Debug("Client does not prefer JSON, handling refresh failure as expired token (initiating re-auth)")
-				t.handleExpiredToken(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
-			}
-			return // Stop processing
-		}
-	}
+	// --- Initiate Full Authentication ---
+	// If we reach here, it means:
+	// - User is not authenticated (!authenticated)
+	// - AND EITHER token doesn't need refresh (!needsRefresh, e.g., first visit)
+	// - OR refresh token is missing (!refreshTokenPresent)
+	// - OR refresh was attempted but failed (handled above)
+	t.logger.Debugf("Initiating full OIDC authentication flow (authenticated=%v, needsRefresh=%v, refreshTokenPresent=%v)", authenticated, needsRefresh, refreshTokenPresent)
+	t.defaultInitiateAuthentication(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
+}
 
-	// Process authenticated request
+// processAuthorizedRequest handles the final steps for an authenticated and authorized request.
+// It performs domain/role/group checks, sets headers, and forwards the request.
+func (t *TraefikOidc) processAuthorizedRequest(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request, session *SessionData, redirectURL string) {
 	email := session.GetEmail()
 	if email == "" {
-		t.logger.Debug("No email found in session")
+		t.logger.Error("CRITICAL: No email found in session during final processing, initiating re-auth")
+		// This case should ideally not happen if checks are done correctly before calling this,
+		// but as a safeguard, initiate re-authentication.
 		t.defaultInitiateAuthentication(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
 		return
 	}
@@ -721,6 +764,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) ServeHTTP(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request) {
 	groups, roles, err := t.extractGroupsAndRoles(session.GetAccessToken())
 	if err != nil {
 		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to extract groups and roles: %v", err)
+		// Continue without group/role headers if extraction fails
 	} else {
 		if len(groups) > 0 {
 			req.Header.Set("X-User-Groups", strings.Join(groups, ","))
@@ -779,6 +823,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) ServeHTTP(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request) {
 	}
 
 	// Process the request
+	t.logger.Debugf("Request authorized for user %s, forwarding to next handler", email)
 	t.next.ServeHTTP(rw, req)
 }
 
@@ -794,19 +839,21 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) ServeHTTP(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request) {
 //   - session: The user's session data containing the expired token information.
 //   - redirectURL: The callback URL to be used in the new authentication flow.
 func (t *TraefikOidc) handleExpiredToken(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request, session *SessionData, redirectURL string) {
-	// Clear authentication data but preserve CSRF state
+	t.logger.Debug("Handling expired token: Clearing session and initiating re-authentication.")
+	// Clear authentication data but preserve CSRF state if possible (though Clear might remove it)
 	session.SetAuthenticated(false)
 	session.SetAccessToken("")
 	session.SetRefreshToken("")
 	session.SetEmail("")
 
-	// Save the cleared session state
+	// Save the cleared session state (this sends expired cookies)
+	// Pass rw to ensure expiring cookies are sent
 	if err := session.Save(req, rw); err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to save cleared session: %v", err)
-		http.Error(rw, "Internal Server Error", http.StatusInternalServerError)
-		return
+		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to save cleared session during expired token handling: %v", err)
+		// Still attempt to initiate authentication, but log the error
 	}
 
+	// Initiate a new authentication flow
 	t.defaultInitiateAuthentication(rw, req, session, redirectURL)
 }
 
@@ -834,8 +881,8 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) handleExpiredToken(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Reque
 func (t *TraefikOidc) handleCallback(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request, redirectURL string) {
 	session, err := t.sessionManager.GetSession(req)
 	if err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Session error: %v", err)
-		http.Error(rw, "Session error", http.StatusInternalServerError)
+		t.logger.Errorf("Session error during callback: %v", err)
+		http.Error(rw, "Session error during callback", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 		return
 	}
 
@@ -847,7 +894,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) handleCallback(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request,
 		if errorDescription == "" {
 			errorDescription = req.URL.Query().Get("error") // Use error code if description is empty
 		}
-		t.logger.Errorf("Authentication error from provider: %s - %s", req.URL.Query().Get("error"), errorDescription)
+		t.logger.Errorf("Authentication error from provider during callback: %s - %s", req.URL.Query().Get("error"), errorDescription)
 		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, fmt.Sprintf("Authentication error from provider: %s", errorDescription), http.StatusBadRequest)
 		return
 	}
@@ -862,13 +909,13 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) handleCallback(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request,
 
 	csrfToken := session.GetCSRF()
 	if csrfToken == "" {
-		t.logger.Error("CSRF token missing in session")
-		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "CSRF token missing", http.StatusBadRequest)
+		t.logger.Error("CSRF token missing in session during callback")
+		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "CSRF token missing in session", http.StatusBadRequest)
 		return
 	}
 
 	if state != csrfToken {
-		t.logger.Error("State parameter does not match CSRF token in session")
+		t.logger.Error("State parameter does not match CSRF token in session during callback")
 		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Invalid state parameter (CSRF mismatch)", http.StatusBadRequest)
 		return
 	}
@@ -886,22 +933,21 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) handleCallback(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request,
 
 	tokenResponse, err := t.tokenExchanger.ExchangeCodeForToken(req.Context(), "authorization_code", code, redirectURL, codeVerifier)
 	if err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to exchange code for token: %v", err)
+		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to exchange code for token during callback: %v", err)
 		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Authentication failed: Could not exchange code for token", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 		return
 	}
 
 	// Verify tokens and claims
-	// Use the exported VerifyToken method now that handleCallback is in main.go
 	if err := t.VerifyToken(tokenResponse.IDToken); err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to verify id_token: %v", err)
+		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to verify id_token during callback: %v", err)
 		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Authentication failed: Could not verify ID token", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 		return
 	}
 
 	claims, err := t.extractClaimsFunc(tokenResponse.IDToken)
 	if err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to extract claims: %v", err)
+		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to extract claims during callback: %v", err)
 		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Authentication failed: Could not extract claims from token", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 		return
 	}
@@ -909,51 +955,68 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) handleCallback(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request,
 	// Verify nonce to prevent replay attacks
 	nonceClaim, ok := claims["nonce"].(string)
 	if !ok || nonceClaim == "" {
-		t.logger.Error("Nonce claim missing in id_token")
+		t.logger.Error("Nonce claim missing in id_token during callback")
 		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Authentication failed: Nonce missing in token", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 		return
 	}
 
 	sessionNonce := session.GetNonce()
 	if sessionNonce == "" {
-		t.logger.Error("Nonce not found in session")
+		t.logger.Error("Nonce not found in session during callback")
 		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Authentication failed: Nonce missing in session", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 		return
 	}
 
 	if nonceClaim != sessionNonce {
-		t.logger.Error("Nonce claim does not match session nonce")
+		t.logger.Error("Nonce claim does not match session nonce during callback")
 		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Authentication failed: Nonce mismatch", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 		return
 	}
 
 	// Validate user's email domain
-	// Use the unexported isAllowedDomain method now that handleCallback is in main.go
 	email, _ := claims["email"].(string)
-	if email == "" || !t.isAllowedDomain(email) {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Invalid or disallowed email: %s", email)
-		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Authentication failed: Invalid or disallowed email", http.StatusForbidden)
+	if email == "" {
+		t.logger.Errorf("Email claim missing or empty in token during callback")
+		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Authentication failed: Email missing in token", http.StatusInternalServerError)
+		return
+	}
+	if !t.isAllowedDomain(email) {
+		t.logger.Errorf("Disallowed email domain during callback: %s", email)
+		t.sendErrorResponse(rw, req, "Authentication failed: Email domain not allowed", http.StatusForbidden)
 		return
 	}
 
 	// Update session with authentication data
-	session.SetAuthenticated(true)
+	// Regenerate session ID upon successful authentication
+	if err := session.SetAuthenticated(true); err != nil {
+		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to set authenticated state and regenerate session ID: %v", err)
+		http.Error(rw, "Failed to update session", http.StatusInternalServerError)
+		return
+	}
 	session.SetEmail(email)
 	session.SetAccessToken(tokenResponse.IDToken)
 	session.SetRefreshToken(tokenResponse.RefreshToken)
 
-	if err := session.Save(req, rw); err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to save session: %v", err)
-		http.Error(rw, "Failed to save session", http.StatusInternalServerError)
-		return
-	}
+	// Clear CSRF, Nonce, CodeVerifier after use
+	session.SetCSRF("")
+	session.SetNonce("")
+	session.SetCodeVerifier("")
 
-	// Redirect to original path or root
+	// Retrieve original path *before* saving, as save might clear it if Clear was called concurrently
 	redirectPath := "/"
 	if incomingPath := session.GetIncomingPath(); incomingPath != "" && incomingPath != t.redirURLPath {
 		redirectPath = incomingPath
 	}
+	session.SetIncomingPath("") // Clear incoming path after retrieving it
 
+	if err := session.Save(req, rw); err != nil {
+		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to save session after callback: %v", err)
+		http.Error(rw, "Failed to save session after callback", http.StatusInternalServerError)
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Redirect to original path or root
+	t.logger.Debugf("Callback successful, redirecting to %s", redirectPath)
 	http.Redirect(rw, req, redirectPath, http.StatusFound)
 }
 
@@ -972,7 +1035,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) determineExcludedURL(currentRequest string) bool {
 			return true
 		}
 	}
-	t.logger.Debugf("URL is not excluded - got %s", currentRequest)
+	// t.logger.Debugf("URL is not excluded - got %s", currentRequest) // Too verbose for every request
 	return false
 }
 
@@ -1024,32 +1087,58 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) determineHost(req *http.Request) string {
 //   - expired (bool): True if the session is unauthenticated, the token is missing, or the token verification failed for reasons other than nearing/actual expiration (e.g., invalid signature, invalid claims).
 func (t *TraefikOidc) isUserAuthenticated(session *SessionData) (bool, bool, bool) {
 	if !session.GetAuthenticated() {
-		t.logger.Debug("User is not authenticated according to session")
-		return false, false, false
+		t.logger.Debug("User is not authenticated according to session flag")
+		// Check if there's still a refresh token - if so, refresh might be possible
+		if session.GetRefreshToken() != "" {
+			t.logger.Debug("Session not authenticated, but refresh token exists. Signaling need for refresh.")
+			return false, true, false // Not authenticated, NeedsRefresh=true (to attempt recovery), Expired=false
+		}
+		return false, false, false // Not authenticated, no refresh token, definitely not expired (just unauth)
 	}
 
 	accessToken := session.GetAccessToken()
 	if accessToken == "" {
-		t.logger.Debug("No access token found in session")
-		return false, false, true // Session is invalid, consider it expired
+		t.logger.Debug("Authenticated flag set, but no access token found in session")
+		// If authenticated flag is true but token is missing, treat as expired/invalid session state
+		// Check for refresh token before declaring fully expired
+		if session.GetRefreshToken() != "" {
+			t.logger.Debug("Authenticated flag set, access token missing, but refresh token exists. Signaling need for refresh.")
+			return false, true, false // Not authenticated (no access token), NeedsRefresh=true, Expired=false
+		}
+		return false, false, true // No access or refresh token, treat as expired
 	}
 
 	// Verify the token structure and signature first
 	jwt, err := parseJWT(accessToken)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to parse JWT during auth check: %v", err)
-		return false, false, true // Invalid format, treat as expired/invalid
+		// Check for refresh token before declaring fully expired
+		if session.GetRefreshToken() != "" {
+			t.logger.Debug("Access token parsing failed, but refresh token exists. Signaling need for refresh.")
+			return false, true, false // Not authenticated (bad access token), NeedsRefresh=true, Expired=false
+		}
+		return false, false, true // Invalid format, no refresh token, treat as expired/invalid
 	}
 	if err := t.VerifyJWTSignatureAndClaims(jwt, accessToken); err != nil {
 		// Check if the error is specifically about expiration
 		if strings.Contains(err.Error(), "token has expired") {
-			t.logger.Debugf("Token signature/claims valid but token expired, attempting refresh")
+			t.logger.Debugf("Access token signature/claims valid but token expired, needs refresh")
 			// Token is expired but otherwise valid, signal for refresh
-			return true, true, false // Authenticated=true (was valid), NeedsRefresh=true, Expired=false (because refresh is possible)
+			// Return authenticated=false because the current token is unusable
+			// NeedsRefresh is true only if a refresh token exists
+			if session.GetRefreshToken() != "" {
+				return false, true, false // Not authenticated (current token unusable), NeedsRefresh=true, Expired=false (because refresh might fix it)
+			}
+			return false, false, true // Expired access token, no refresh token, treat as expired
 		}
 		// Other verification error (signature, issuer, audience etc.)
-		t.logger.Errorf("Token verification failed (non-expiration): %v", err)
-		return false, false, true // Token is invalid for other reasons
+		t.logger.Errorf("Access token verification failed (non-expiration): %v", err)
+		// Check for refresh token before declaring fully expired
+		if session.GetRefreshToken() != "" {
+			t.logger.Debug("Access token verification failed, but refresh token exists. Signaling need for refresh.")
+			return false, true, false // Not authenticated (bad access token), NeedsRefresh=true, Expired=false
+		}
+		return false, false, true // Token is invalid for other reasons, no refresh token, treat as expired/invalid session
 	}
 
 	// Claims already parsed within VerifyJWTSignatureAndClaims if it didn't error early
@@ -1057,8 +1146,13 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) isUserAuthenticated(session *SessionData) (bool, bool, boo
 
 	expClaim, ok := claims["exp"].(float64)
 	if !ok {
-		t.logger.Error("Failed to get expiration time from claims")
-		return false, false, true
+		t.logger.Error("Failed to get expiration time ('exp' claim) from verified token")
+		// Check for refresh token before declaring fully expired
+		if session.GetRefreshToken() != "" {
+			t.logger.Debug("Access token missing 'exp' claim, but refresh token exists. Signaling need for refresh.")
+			return false, true, false // Not authenticated (bad access token), NeedsRefresh=true, Expired=false
+		}
+		return false, false, true // Treat as invalid if 'exp' is missing and no refresh token
 	}
 
 	expTime := int64(expClaim)
@@ -1071,12 +1165,19 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) isUserAuthenticated(session *SessionData) (bool, bool, boo
 	if time.Unix(expTime, 0).Before(time.Now().Add(t.refreshGracePeriod)) {
 		// Recalculate remaining seconds for logging clarity if needed, using the configured duration
 		remainingSeconds := int64(time.Until(time.Unix(expTime, 0)).Seconds())
-		t.logger.Debugf("Token nearing expiration (expires in %d seconds, grace period %s), scheduling refresh", remainingSeconds, t.refreshGracePeriod)
-		return true, true, false // Needs proactive refresh
+		t.logger.Debugf("Access token nearing expiration (expires in %d seconds, grace period %s), scheduling proactive refresh", remainingSeconds, t.refreshGracePeriod)
+		// Token is still valid, but we should refresh it soon
+		// NeedsRefresh is true only if a refresh token exists
+		if session.GetRefreshToken() != "" {
+			return true, true, false // Authenticated=true (current token usable), NeedsRefresh=true, Expired=false
+		}
+		// If no refresh token, we can't proactively refresh, treat as normal valid token for now
+		t.logger.Debugf("Token nearing expiration but no refresh token available, cannot proactively refresh.")
+		return true, false, false
 	}
 
 	// Token is valid, not expired, and not nearing expiration
-	return true, false, false
+	return true, false, false // Authenticated=true, NeedsRefresh=false, Expired=false
 }
 
 // defaultInitiateAuthentication handles the process of starting an OIDC authentication flow.
@@ -1092,10 +1193,12 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) isUserAuthenticated(session *SessionData) (bool, bool, boo
 //   - session: The user's SessionData object (potentially new or cleared).
 //   - redirectURL: The pre-calculated callback URL (redirect_uri) for this middleware instance.
 func (t *TraefikOidc) defaultInitiateAuthentication(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request, session *SessionData, redirectURL string) {
+	t.logger.Debugf("Initiating new OIDC authentication flow for request: %s", req.URL.RequestURI())
 	// Generate CSRF token and nonce
 	csrfToken := uuid.NewString()
 	nonce, err := generateNonce()
 	if err != nil {
+		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to generate nonce: %v", err)
 		http.Error(rw, "Failed to generate nonce", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 		return
 	}
@@ -1106,37 +1209,41 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) defaultInitiateAuthentication(rw http.ResponseWriter, req
 		var err error
 		codeVerifier, err = generateCodeVerifier()
 		if err != nil {
+			t.logger.Errorf("Failed to generate code verifier: %v", err)
 			http.Error(rw, "Failed to generate code verifier", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 			return
 		}
-
-		// Derive code challenge from verifier
 		codeChallenge = deriveCodeChallenge(codeVerifier)
+		t.logger.Debugf("PKCE enabled, generated code challenge")
 	}
 
 	// Clear any existing session data to avoid stale state causing redirect loops
-	session.Clear(req, rw)
+	// Pass the response writer to ensure expiring cookies are sent
+	if err := session.Clear(req, rw); err != nil {
+		// Log the error but continue, as clearing is best-effort before re-auth
+		t.logger.Errorf("Error clearing session before initiating authentication: %v", err)
+	}
 
 	// Set new session values
 	session.SetCSRF(csrfToken)
 	session.SetNonce(nonce)
-
-	// Only set code verifier if PKCE is enabled
 	if t.enablePKCE {
 		session.SetCodeVerifier(codeVerifier)
 	}
-
+	// Store the original path the user was trying to access
 	session.SetIncomingPath(req.URL.RequestURI())
+	t.logger.Debugf("Storing incoming path: %s", req.URL.RequestURI())
 
-	// Save the session
+	// Save the session (to store CSRF, Nonce, etc.)
 	if err := session.Save(req, rw); err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to save session: %v", err)
+		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to save session before redirecting to provider: %v", err)
 		http.Error(rw, "Failed to save session", http.StatusInternalServerError)
 		return
 	}
 
 	// Build and redirect to authentication URL
 	authURL := t.buildAuthURL(redirectURL, csrfToken, nonce, codeChallenge)
+	t.logger.Debugf("Redirecting user to OIDC provider: %s", authURL)
 	http.Redirect(rw, req, authURL, http.StatusFound)
 }
 
@@ -1185,6 +1292,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) buildAuthURL(redirectURL, state, nonce, codeChallenge stri
 		params.Set("scope", strings.Join(t.scopes, " "))
 	}
 
+	// Use buildURLWithParams which handles potential relative authURL from metadata
 	return t.buildURLWithParams(t.authURL, params)
 }
 
@@ -1201,17 +1309,30 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) buildAuthURL(redirectURL, state, nonce, codeChallenge stri
 func (t *TraefikOidc) buildURLWithParams(baseURL string, params url.Values) string {
 	// Ensure URL is absolute
 	if !strings.HasPrefix(baseURL, "http://") && !strings.HasPrefix(baseURL, "https://") {
-		// Extract issuer base URL
-		issuerURL, err := url.Parse(t.issuerURL)
+		// Attempt to resolve relative URL against issuer URL
+		issuerURLParsed, err := url.Parse(t.issuerURL)
 		if err == nil {
-			return fmt.Sprintf("%s://%s%s?%s",
-				issuerURL.Scheme,
-				issuerURL.Host,
-				baseURL,
-				params.Encode())
+			baseURLParsed, err := url.Parse(baseURL)
+			if err == nil {
+				resolvedURL := issuerURLParsed.ResolveReference(baseURLParsed)
+				resolvedURL.RawQuery = params.Encode()
+				return resolvedURL.String()
+			}
 		}
+		// Fallback if parsing fails - append params to potentially relative path
+		t.logger.Errorf("Could not parse issuerURL or baseURL to resolve relative URL. BaseURL: %s, IssuerURL: %s", baseURL, t.issuerURL)
+		return baseURL + "?" + params.Encode()
 	}
-	return baseURL + "?" + params.Encode()
+
+	// If baseURL is already absolute
+	u, err := url.Parse(baseURL)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.logger.Errorf("Could not parse absolute baseURL: %s. Error: %v", baseURL, err)
+		// Fallback: append params directly
+		return baseURL + "?" + params.Encode()
+	}
+	u.RawQuery = params.Encode()
+	return u.String()
 }
 
 // startTokenCleanup starts background goroutines for periodically cleaning up
@@ -1246,6 +1367,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) RevokeToken(token string) {
 	expiry := time.Now().Add(24 * time.Hour) // or other appropriate duration
 	// Use Set with a duration. Value 'true' is arbitrary, we only care about existence.
 	t.tokenBlacklist.Set(token, true, time.Until(expiry))
+	t.logger.Debugf("Locally revoked token (added to blacklist)")
 }
 
 // RevokeTokenWithProvider attempts to revoke a token directly with the OIDC provider
@@ -1260,7 +1382,10 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) RevokeToken(token string) {
 //   - nil if the revocation request is successful (provider returns 200 OK).
 //   - An error if the request fails or the provider returns a non-OK status.
 func (t *TraefikOidc) RevokeTokenWithProvider(token, tokenType string) error {
-	t.logger.Debugf("Revoking token with provider")
+	if t.revocationURL == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("token revocation endpoint is not configured or discovered")
+	}
+	t.logger.Debugf("Attempting to revoke token (type: %s) with provider at %s", tokenType, t.revocationURL)
 
 	data := url.Values{
 		"token":           {token},
@@ -1277,6 +1402,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) RevokeTokenWithProvider(token, tokenType string) error {
 
 	// Set headers
 	req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/x-www-form-urlencoded")
+	req.Header.Set("Accept", "application/json") // Prefer JSON response if available
 
 	// Send the request
 	resp, err := t.httpClient.Do(req)
@@ -1288,18 +1414,20 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) RevokeTokenWithProvider(token, tokenType string) error {
 	// Check the response
 	if resp.StatusCode != http.StatusOK {
 		body, _ := io.ReadAll(resp.Body)
-		return fmt.Errorf("token revocation failed with status %d: %s", resp.StatusCode, string(body))
+		// Log the failure details
+		t.logger.Errorf("Token revocation failed with status %d: %s", resp.StatusCode, string(body))
+		return fmt.Errorf("token revocation failed with status %d", resp.StatusCode)
 	}
 
-	t.logger.Debugf("Token successfully revoked")
+	t.logger.Debugf("Token successfully revoked with provider")
 	return nil
 }
 
 // refreshToken attempts to use the refresh token stored in the session to obtain a new set of tokens.
 // It acquires a mutex associated with the session to prevent concurrent refresh attempts for the same session.
 // It retrieves the refresh token, calls the TokenExchanger's GetNewTokenWithRefreshToken method,
-// verifies the newly obtained ID token using verifyToken, updates the session with the new tokens,
-// and saves the session.
+// verifies the newly obtained ID token using verifyToken, performs a concurrency check,
+// updates the session with the new tokens if the check passes, and saves the session.
 //
 // Parameters:
 //   - rw: The HTTP response writer (needed for saving the updated session).
@@ -1308,45 +1436,85 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) RevokeTokenWithProvider(token, tokenType string) error {
 //
 // Returns:
 //   - true if the token refresh was successful and the session was updated.
-//   - false if no refresh token was found, the refresh exchange failed, the new token failed verification, or saving the session failed.
+//   - false if no refresh token was found, the refresh exchange failed, the new token failed verification,
+//     a concurrency conflict was detected, or saving the session failed.
 func (t *TraefikOidc) refreshToken(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request, session *SessionData) bool {
 	// Lock the mutex specific to this session instance before attempting refresh
 	session.refreshMutex.Lock()
 	defer session.refreshMutex.Unlock()
 
 	t.logger.Debug("Attempting to refresh token (mutex acquired)")
-	refreshToken := session.GetRefreshToken() // Get token *after* acquiring lock
-	if refreshToken == "" {
-		t.logger.Debug("No refresh token found in session (inside lock)")
+	initialRefreshToken := session.GetRefreshToken() // Get token *after* acquiring lock
+	if initialRefreshToken == "" {
+		t.logger.Errorf("refreshToken failed: No refresh token found in session (after acquiring lock)")
 		return false
 	}
 
-	newToken, err := t.tokenExchanger.GetNewTokenWithRefreshToken(refreshToken)
+	// Store the initial token for later comparison
+	t.logger.Debugf("Attempting refresh with token starting with %s...", initialRefreshToken[:min(len(initialRefreshToken), 10)])
+
+	newToken, err := t.tokenExchanger.GetNewTokenWithRefreshToken(initialRefreshToken)
 	if err != nil {
-		// Log the error, potentially clear the invalid refresh token?
-		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to refresh token using refresh token: %v", err)
-		// Consider clearing the refresh token from the session here if the error indicates it's invalid
-		// session.SetRefreshToken("") // Example: Clear potentially invalid token
-		// session.Save(req, rw) // Need to handle potential save error
+		// Log the error more explicitly before returning false
+		truncatedToken := initialRefreshToken[:min(len(initialRefreshToken), 10)] // Log first 10 chars
+		t.logger.Errorf("refreshToken failed: Error from tokenExchanger.GetNewTokenWithRefreshToken for token starting with %s...: %v", truncatedToken, err)
+		// No need to clear token here, as the session might be cleared by another request anyway
 		return false
 	}
 
-	// Verify the new access token
+	// Verify the new access token (ID token)
 	if err := t.verifyToken(newToken.IDToken); err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to verify new access token: %v", err)
+		truncatedNewToken := newToken.IDToken[:min(len(newToken.IDToken), 10)] // Log first 10 chars
+		t.logger.Errorf("refreshToken failed: Failed to verify newly obtained ID token starting with %s...: %v", truncatedNewToken, err)
 		return false
 	}
 
-	// Update session with new tokens
+	// --- Concurrency Check ---
+	// Before saving the new token, check if the session state (specifically the refresh token)
+	// has been modified concurrently (e.g., by a logout or another auth initiation).
+	currentRefreshToken := session.GetRefreshToken() // Get token again *after* the potentially long exchange
+	if initialRefreshToken != currentRefreshToken {
+		// Use Infof as Warnf doesn't exist
+		t.logger.Infof("refreshToken aborted: Session refresh token changed concurrently during refresh attempt. Initial token prefix: %s..., Current token prefix: %s...", initialRefreshToken[:min(len(initialRefreshToken), 10)], currentRefreshToken[:min(len(currentRefreshToken), 10)])
+		// Do not save the new tokens, as the session state is likely invalid/cleared.
+		return false // Indicate refresh failure due to concurrency conflict
+	}
+	// --- End Concurrency Check ---
+
+	// Update session with new tokens ONLY if the concurrency check passed
+	t.logger.Debugf("Concurrency check passed. Updating session with new tokens.")
+
+	// Extract email from the new token and update session
+	claims, err := t.extractClaimsFunc(newToken.IDToken)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.logger.Errorf("refreshToken failed: Failed to extract claims from refreshed token: %v", err)
+		return false // Cannot proceed without claims
+	}
+	email, _ := claims["email"].(string)
+	if email == "" {
+		t.logger.Errorf("refreshToken failed: Email claim missing or empty in refreshed token")
+		return false // Cannot proceed without email
+	}
+	session.SetEmail(email) // Update email in session
+
 	session.SetAccessToken(newToken.IDToken)
-	session.SetRefreshToken(newToken.RefreshToken)
+	// Ensure the new refresh token is actually set, even if it's the same as the old one
+	// Also handle cases where the provider might not return a new refresh token
+	if newToken.RefreshToken != "" {
+		session.SetRefreshToken(newToken.RefreshToken)
+	} else {
+		// If no new refresh token is returned, keep the existing one
+		session.SetRefreshToken(initialRefreshToken)
+		t.logger.Debugf("Provider did not return a new refresh token, keeping the existing one.")
+	}
 
 	// Save the session
 	if err := session.Save(req, rw); err != nil {
-		t.logger.Errorf("Failed to save refreshed session: %v", err)
+		t.logger.Errorf("refreshToken failed: Failed to save session after successful token refresh and concurrency check: %v", err)
 		return false
 	}
 
+	t.logger.Debugf("Token refresh successful and session saved.")
 	return true
 }
 
@@ -1367,6 +1535,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) isAllowedDomain(email string) bool {
 
 	parts := strings.Split(email, "@")
 	if len(parts) != 2 {
+		t.logger.Errorf("Invalid email format encountered: %s", email)
 		return false // Invalid email format
 	}
 
@@ -1400,12 +1569,16 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) extractGroupsAndRoles(idToken string) ([]string, []string,
 	if groupsClaim, exists := claims["groups"]; exists {
 		groupsSlice, ok := groupsClaim.([]interface{})
 		if !ok {
+			// Strictly expect an array
 			return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("groups claim is not an array")
-		}
-		for _, group := range groupsSlice {
-			if groupStr, ok := group.(string); ok {
-				t.logger.Debugf("Found group: %s", groupStr)
-				groups = append(groups, groupStr)
+		} else {
+			for _, group := range groupsSlice {
+				if groupStr, ok := group.(string); ok {
+					t.logger.Debugf("Found group: %s", groupStr)
+					groups = append(groups, groupStr)
+				} else {
+					t.logger.Errorf("Non-string value found in groups claim array: %v", group)
+				}
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -1414,12 +1587,16 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) extractGroupsAndRoles(idToken string) ([]string, []string,
 	if rolesClaim, exists := claims["roles"]; exists {
 		rolesSlice, ok := rolesClaim.([]interface{})
 		if !ok {
+			// Strictly expect an array
 			return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("roles claim is not an array")
-		}
-		for _, role := range rolesSlice {
-			if roleStr, ok := role.(string); ok {
-				t.logger.Debugf("Found role: %s", roleStr)
-				roles = append(roles, roleStr)
+		} else {
+			for _, role := range rolesSlice {
+				if roleStr, ok := role.(string); ok {
+					t.logger.Debugf("Found role: %s", roleStr)
+					roles = append(roles, roleStr)
+				} else {
+					t.logger.Errorf("Non-string value found in roles claim array: %v", role)
+				}
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -1493,8 +1670,8 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) sendErrorResponse(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Reques
 		rw.WriteHeader(code)
 		// Use a simple error structure
 		json.NewEncoder(rw).Encode(map[string]interface{}{
-			"error":             http.StatusText(code),
-			"error_description": message,
+			"error":             http.StatusText(code), // Use standard text for the code
+			"error_description": message,               // Provide specific detail here
 			"status_code":       code,
 		})
 		return
@@ -1504,17 +1681,9 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) sendErrorResponse(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Reques
 	t.logger.Debugf("Sending HTML error response (code %d): %s", code, message)
 
 	// Determine the return URL (mostly relevant for HTML)
-	returnURL := "/"                                 // Default to root
-	session, err := t.sessionManager.GetSession(req) // Attempt to get session for return URL
-	if err == nil {
-		incomingPath := session.GetIncomingPath()
-		// Use incoming path if it's valid and not one of the special OIDC paths
-		if incomingPath != "" && incomingPath != t.redirURLPath && incomingPath != t.logoutURLPath {
-			returnURL = incomingPath
-		}
-	} else {
-		t.logger.Infof("Could not get session to determine return URL in sendErrorResponse: %v", err)
-	}
+	returnURL := "/" // Default to root
+	// No need to get session here, as we are already in an error path
+	// where session might be invalid or unavailable.
 
 	// Basic HTML structure for the error page
 	htmlBody := fmt.Sprintf(`
@@ -1537,7 +1706,7 @@ func (t *TraefikOidc) sendErrorResponse(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Reques
         <p><a href="%s">Return to application</a></p>
     </div>
 </body>
-</html>`, message, returnURL)
+</html>`, message, returnURL) // Use default returnURL
 
 	rw.Header().Set("Content-Type", "text/html; charset=utf-8")
 	rw.WriteHeader(code)
diff --git a/main_test.go b/main_test.go
index b86c325..97acce3 100644
--- a/main_test.go
+++ b/main_test.go
@@ -385,9 +385,52 @@ func TestServeHTTP(t *testing.T) {
 			expectedBody:   "OK",
 		},
 		{
-			name:           "Unauthenticated request to protected URL",
-			requestPath:    "/protected",
-			expectedStatus: http.StatusFound, // Expect redirect to OIDC
+			name:        "Unauthenticated request (no refresh token) to protected URL",
+			requestPath: "/protected",
+			setupSession: func(session *SessionData) {
+				// Ensure no tokens are set
+				session.SetAuthenticated(false)
+				session.SetAccessToken("")
+				session.SetRefreshToken("")
+			},
+			expectedStatus: http.StatusFound, // Expect redirect to OIDC as there's no refresh token
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "Unauthenticated request (with refresh token) to protected URL - Expect Refresh Attempt",
+			requestPath: "/protected",
+			setupSession: func(session *SessionData) {
+				session.SetAuthenticated(false)                                // Not authenticated
+				session.SetAccessToken("")                                     // No access token
+				session.SetRefreshToken("valid-refresh-token-for-unauth-test") // BUT has refresh token
+			},
+			mockRefreshTokenFunc: func(originalFunc func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error)) func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
+				return func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
+					if refreshToken != "valid-refresh-token-for-unauth-test" {
+						return nil, fmt.Errorf("mock error: unexpected refresh token '%s'", refreshToken)
+					}
+					// Simulate successful refresh
+					newToken := createNewValidToken() // Use helper from TestServeHTTP
+					return &TokenResponse{IDToken: newToken, AccessToken: newToken, RefreshToken: "new-refresh-token-unauth", ExpiresIn: 3600}, nil
+				}
+			},
+			expectedStatus: http.StatusOK, // Expect OK after successful refresh
+			expectedBody:   "OK",
+		},
+		{
+			name:        "Unauthenticated request (with refresh token) to protected URL - Refresh Fails",
+			requestPath: "/protected",
+			setupSession: func(session *SessionData) {
+				session.SetAuthenticated(false)                                  // Not authenticated
+				session.SetAccessToken("")                                       // No access token
+				session.SetRefreshToken("invalid-refresh-token-for-unauth-test") // Invalid refresh token
+			},
+			mockRefreshTokenFunc: func(originalFunc func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error)) func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
+				return func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
+					// Simulate failed refresh
+					return nil, fmt.Errorf("mock error: refresh token invalid")
+				}
+			},
+			expectedStatus: http.StatusFound, // Expect redirect to OIDC after failed refresh
 		},
 		{
 			name:        "Authenticated request to protected URL (Valid Token)",
@@ -407,11 +450,15 @@ func TestServeHTTP(t *testing.T) {
 			expectedStatus: http.StatusOK,
 			expectedBody:   "OK",
 		},
+		// This test case remains valid as the logic should still attempt refresh when expired token + refresh token exist
 		{
 			name:        "Authenticated request with expired token and successful refresh",
 			requestPath: "/protected",
 			setupSession: func(session *SessionData) {
-				session.SetAuthenticated(true) // Still marked authenticated initially
+				// NOTE: isUserAuthenticated now returns authenticated=false if access token is expired,
+				// even if session.SetAuthenticated(true) was called.
+				// We rely on needsRefresh=true and the presence of the refresh token to trigger the refresh attempt.
+				session.SetAuthenticated(true) // Set flag initially, though isUserAuthenticated will override based on token
 				session.SetEmail("user@example.com")
 				session.SetAccessToken(createExpiredToken())   // Set expired token
 				session.SetRefreshToken("valid-refresh-token") // Set valid refresh token
@@ -445,16 +492,19 @@ func TestServeHTTP(t *testing.T) {
 					t.Fatalf("Failed to get session after request: %v", err)
 				}
 				// Assert new tokens are in the session
-				// Direct comparison with createNewValidToken() is flawed as it generates a new token each time.
-				// Instead, check if the token was updated (not empty) and verify the refresh token.
-				if session.GetAccessToken() == "" {
-					t.Errorf("Expected access token to be updated in session, but it was empty")
+				if session.GetAccessToken() == "" || session.GetAccessToken() == createExpiredToken() {
+					t.Errorf("Expected access token to be updated in session, but it was empty or still the expired one")
 				}
 				if session.GetRefreshToken() != "new-refresh-token" {
 					t.Errorf("Expected refresh token to be updated to 'new-refresh-token', got '%s'", session.GetRefreshToken())
 				}
+				// Also check authenticated flag is now true
+				if !session.GetAuthenticated() {
+					t.Errorf("Expected session to be marked authenticated after successful refresh")
+				}
 			},
 		},
+		// This test case remains valid as the logic should still return 401 for API clients on refresh failure
 		{
 			name:        "Logout URL",
 			requestPath: "/callback/logout", // Match the default logout path set in TestSuite.Setup
@@ -477,10 +527,10 @@ func TestServeHTTP(t *testing.T) {
 			name:        "Authenticated request with expired token and FAILED refresh (Accept: JSON)",
 			requestPath: "/protected",
 			setupSession: func(session *SessionData) {
-				session.SetAuthenticated(true)
+				session.SetAuthenticated(true) // Set flag initially
 				session.SetEmail("user@example.com")
-				session.SetAccessToken(createExpiredToken())
-				session.SetRefreshToken("valid-refresh-token")
+				session.SetAccessToken(createExpiredToken())   // Expired access token
+				session.SetRefreshToken("valid-refresh-token") // Valid refresh token
 			},
 			mockRefreshTokenFunc: func(originalFunc func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error)) func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
 				return func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
@@ -491,17 +541,18 @@ func TestServeHTTP(t *testing.T) {
 			requestHeaders: map[string]string{
 				"Accept": "application/json",
 			},
-			expectedStatus: http.StatusUnauthorized, // Expect 401 for API client
+			expectedStatus: http.StatusUnauthorized, // Expect 401 for API client after failed refresh attempt
 			expectedBody:   `{"error":"unauthorized","message":"Token refresh failed"}`,
 		},
+		// This test case remains valid as the logic should still redirect browser clients on refresh failure
 		{
 			name:        "Authenticated request with expired token and FAILED refresh (Accept: HTML)",
 			requestPath: "/protected",
 			setupSession: func(session *SessionData) {
-				session.SetAuthenticated(true)
+				session.SetAuthenticated(true) // Set flag initially
 				session.SetEmail("user@example.com")
-				session.SetAccessToken(createExpiredToken())
-				session.SetRefreshToken("valid-refresh-token")
+				session.SetAccessToken(createExpiredToken())   // Expired access token
+				session.SetRefreshToken("valid-refresh-token") // Valid refresh token
 			},
 			mockRefreshTokenFunc: func(originalFunc func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error)) func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
 				return func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
@@ -512,8 +563,9 @@ func TestServeHTTP(t *testing.T) {
 			requestHeaders: map[string]string{
 				"Accept": "text/html", // Browser client
 			},
-			expectedStatus: http.StatusFound, // Expect redirect for browser client
+			expectedStatus: http.StatusFound, // Expect redirect to OIDC for browser client after failed refresh attempt
 		},
+		// This test case remains valid as proactive refresh should still be attempted
 		{
 			name:        "Authenticated request with token nearing expiry (needs refresh)",
 			requestPath: "/protected",
@@ -529,7 +581,7 @@ func TestServeHTTP(t *testing.T) {
 				session.SetAuthenticated(true)
 				session.SetEmail("user@example.com")
 				session.SetAccessToken(nearExpiryToken)
-				session.SetRefreshToken("valid-refresh-token-for-near-expiry")
+				session.SetRefreshToken("valid-refresh-token-for-near-expiry") // Refresh token MUST exist for proactive refresh
 			},
 			mockRefreshTokenFunc: func(originalFunc func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error)) func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
 				return func(refreshToken string) (*TokenResponse, error) {
@@ -544,6 +596,7 @@ func TestServeHTTP(t *testing.T) {
 			expectedStatus: http.StatusOK, // Expect success after proactive refresh
 			expectedBody:   "OK",
 		},
+		// This test case remains valid as no refresh should be attempted
 		{
 			name:        "Authenticated request with token valid (outside grace period)",
 			requestPath: "/protected",
@@ -1531,6 +1584,7 @@ func TestRevokeToken(t *testing.T) {
 		tOidc := &TraefikOidc{
 			tokenBlacklist: NewCache(), // Use generic cache for blacklist
 			tokenCache:     NewTokenCache(),
+			logger:         NewLogger("info"), // Initialize the logger
 		}
 
 		// Cache the token