On this week's Across The Continent, we head over to South America for our main topic, as the finals for both the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana are set.

In the Libertadores, Palmeiras and Estudiantes face off for the ultimate trophy, while Atlético Mineiro and Boca Juniors will battle for the Europa League-equivalent Sudamericana.

We discuss the recent history of the continental competitions, Brazil's dominance in the Liberatadores, and give our predictions for each final.

Then, Maxwell takes us over to Africa for a look at the initial stages of the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup, highlighting a couple of major clubs that have already been eliminated – South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs FC and Zimbabwe's oddly-named Scottland FC.

Finally, David closes by examining the bottom-dwelling sides in Europe's top 5 clubs, including Le Havre and Málaga. Who's destined to be the worst of the worst this season?

Cheers to all the continents!

Chapters:

00:00 – the start

02:39 – Copa Libertadores final

10:36 – Copa Sudamericana final

13:06 – Maxwell's topic | African Champions League

17:48 – David's topic | European bottom-dwellers

We had another 36-game extravaganza this Thursday between the two competitions, and the tables are beginning to take shape.

First, in the Europa League, we discuss a wide open field beneath the early favorites Benfica and Leverkusen. Is Bournemouth next in line after a resounding win over Milan? Where do Serie A rivals Juventus fit in after a disappointing draw with Rennes?

We also touch on the Celtic derby in Scotland, where Celta Vigo came from behind to defeat Celtic in a historic cultural fixture and Belgium's rise in European competitions.

Then we touch on some risers and fallers, introducing a new game called, YOU'RE TOAST, where we eliminate clubs from knockout contention, before discussing the 5 perfect teams through the first three rounds of fixtures. Are they all locks for the Top 8?

In the Conference League, we begin with Lugano's shock 5-2 drubbing at Getafe. Is Getafe in serious trouble in Europe and La Liga? And just how good is Lugano?

Next, we address Monaco's 3-0 statement victory over fellow contenders, Freiburg, though the game was closer then it looks. Is Monaco the clear favorite with their incredible attacking depth?

Finally, we talk risers and fallers and deliver some table takeaways, including Trabzonspor and Panathinaikos' hot form, Egnatia's surprise start to Conference League life, and tough days for the likes of Atalanta and Midtjylland.

And of course, we loiter for a moment on David's Coefficient Corner.

Cheers to Mattia Croci-Torti!

Chapters:

00:00 – the start

03:15 – Europa League | Results & Top Stories

17:35 – Europa League | Risers & Fallers

21:56 – Europa League | Table Takeaways

32:04 – Conference League | Results & Top Stories

44:03 – Conference League | Risers & Fallers

51:29 – Conference League | Table Takeaways

53:55 – David's Coefficient Corner

This week's Across The Continent is all about the Ballon d'Or.

It's an award that has changed a lot over time, but in recent years has stirred up plenty of online debate and social media indignation. We begin by discussing the way this discourse has changed the nature of it, then David reveals his own definitive top 10 and winner of this year's prize.

Then for David's topic, he takes over to North America, where the USL regular season is hurdling towards its conclusion. What's at stake as the playoff picture emerges in the USA's other top flight?

And finally, Maxwell discusses the state of Tottenham Hotspur after they finally win a league game. Are they headed in the right direction? He would argue, no, not really.

Cheers to Harry Kane!

Chapters:

00:00 – the start

05:49 – David's Ballon d'Or top 10

15:16 – the top 3

24:25 – David's topic | USL Playoffs approaching

29:51 – Maxwell's topic | Tottenham finally win a football match