Portuguese forward Paulinho delivered a standout performance by scoring a hat-trick in Toluca’s 4-2 home win over LA Galaxy in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals.
The Mexican side took the lead early through Nicolás Castro in the 12th minute, before Paulinho took center stage. The Portuguese striker found the net three times, scoring in the 43rd, 73rd, and 85th minutes to secure a crucial advantage for the “Diablos Rojos” in the competition organized by CONCACAF.
LA Galaxy responded with goals from Gabriel Pec in the 66th minute and Marco Reus in the 77th, keeping the tie alive ahead of the return leg.
The second leg is scheduled for Wednesday in California, where LA Galaxy will look to overturn the deficit.
Read more: World Cup 2026: Portugal trains for the first time with Paulinho
At 33, Paulinho continues to impress following his move to Mexico in 2024. Recently recalled to the Portuguese national team for preparation matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the striker previously represented clubs such as Sporting CP, SC Braga, and Gil Vicente FC.
