CAF Competitions : Dominance and Disappointments 

South African football witnessed a weekend of continental triumphs and heartbreak as three PSL sides advanced to the CAF group stages, while one faltered.

Mamelodi Sundowns were clinical once again, dispatching Remo Stars 7–1 on aggregate to cruise into the CAF Champions League group stages for the 11th consecutive season. After a dominant 5–1 first-leg win away from home, Miguel Cardoso’s side sealed the result in Pretoria with a composed 2–0 victory. The Brazilians were relentless in possession and precise in their finishing, a statement of intent for the campaign ahead.

Kaizer Chiefs marked their return to continental relevance with a 3–1 aggregate victory over AS Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers. Following a cagey 0–0 draw in the first leg, Amakhosi came alive in the second, scoring three goals to secure progression. The result also marked Chiefs’ first win by a three-goal margin in CAF competition since 2021, signalling growth under their new technical setup.

Stellenbosch FC continued their rise with a convincing 4–1 aggregate triumph over FC 15 de Agosto. After a goalless away draw, Stellies dismantled their opponents in the return leg at home, with Devin Titus and Iqraam Rayners leading a disciplined attacking display that booked the club’s first-ever spot in the Confederation Cup group stage.

The weekend’s only blow came from Orlando Pirates, who were eliminated by Lupopo. Despite their pedigree, the Buccaneers couldn’t progress to the next round after losing on penalties at home and now stand as the only South African side to miss out on CAF group stage participation this season.

South Africa’s continental representation remains strong, with Sundowns, Chiefs, and Stellenbosch all marching on three sides built on different philosophies but united in ambition.

EUROPE – EL CLÁSICO BELONGS TO MADRID

The first El Clásico of the 2025-26 La Liga season lived up to its billing, with Real Madrid defeating Barcelona 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring midway through the first half with a precise finish, extending his remarkable run to 11 goals in his first 10 league games. Barcelona equalised through Fermín López, but Jude Bellingham struck decisively before the interval, guiding Real to victory.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men controlled the rhythm with authority, registering 10 shots on target and exploiting Barcelona’s defensive lapses. Mbappé’s presence continues to redefine Real’s attack   his directness, acceleration, and composure have made him La Liga’s standout performer in the early stages of the season.

The result leaves Real Madrid five points clear at the top of the table, with Barcelona facing renewed scrutiny after defensive errors and a late red card to Pedri. For Madrid, this was not just a derby win, but another marker of dominance under Ancelotti’s refined tactical balance.

ENGLAND – UNITED RISING AS LIVERPOOL STUMBLE

The Premier League delivered another weekend of twists. Liverpool’s struggles deepened with a 3–2 defeat to Brentford, their fourth consecutive league loss , the club’s worst run since 2021. Defensive fragility remains a glaring issue as the Reds have now conceded first in six straight matches and failed to keep a clean sheet in nine.

Chelsea’s woes continued as they fell 2–1 to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, undone by a 93rd-minute winner that stunned Mauricio Pochettino’s men and exposed ongoing issues in transition and finishing.

Manchester United, meanwhile, maintained their positive run with another victory, extending their unbeaten streak and re-establishing rhythm after a turbulent start to the campaign. Erik ten Hag’s side look revived, compact in defence and efficient up front  giving supporters renewed optimism heading into November.

GERMANY – BAYERN UNTOUCHED, DORTMUND GRIND, LEVERKUSEN STEADY

In the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund left it late to beat 1. FC Köln 1–0 courtesy of a 96th-minute strike from Maximilian Beier. Despite 27 shots and long spells of pressure, Dortmund struggled to convert until stoppage time, highlighting their ongoing inefficiency in front of goal.

Bayer Leverkusen continued their impressive start with a 2–0 home win over Freiburg, stretching their winning run to four matches and keeping the pressure on Bayern.

Bayern Munich, powered by Harry Kane’s extraordinary form 18 goals in 10 matches , remain unbeaten in the league and on course for another title challenge of historic proportions.

From Pretoria to Madrid, this weekend showcased the contrast between resilience and dominance. South Africa’s clubs continue to assert themselves on the continental stage, while Europe’s giants are being redefined by new stars. 

As October closes, the rhythm of football’s elite is clear: Sundowns stay golden, Madrid stay shining , Bayern stay perfect and the chase everywhere else continues.