With the knockout stage about to start at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), the big boys have had it all their own way so far. Algeria and Nigeria were the two nations to win all three of their games, Mohamed Salah's goals earned Egypt comfortable passage with seven points, while Achraf Hakimi eased himself back into action as hosts Morocco also went unbeaten.
We're starting to figure out the rhythm for the new, 36-team Champions League and its league phase. The early matchdays aren't particularly do-or-die and the stakes are low, but the less work you get done early, the more you leave yourself later on. Paris Saint-Germain took only four points from their first five matchdays last year, had to rally late to qualify for the knockout rounds, then had to face Liverpool in the round of 16.