Still, even with their dominance, Sundowns seemed to be playing within themselves, pacing themselves for the punishing schedule that continues until the campaign is over.
They gored on possession, moving the ball around comfortably, choosing their moments to turn on the pace and become deadly in the final third.
They took control of proceedings from when Teboho Mokoena’s chip from midfield into the area found the crisp run to beat offside on the right of Sales, getting a start and a finish having so often been a substitute capable of providing assists. The Brazilian expertly volleyed on the fly past goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
Downs made it 2-0 when left-back Aubrey Modiba whipped in a cross that found Iqraam Rayners on the left side of the box, who powerfully glanced a header that beat Otieno from 15m out.
Just back from the break, Bay left-back Keegan Allan’s pass from deep in his half was poor and down the throat of Modiba, who fed Tashreeq Matthews on the left of the box, who slipped a pass through for the Chilean fox, Allende, to squirt through and finish.