Something for everyone! Paulinho hits hat-trick, hero again (video) | OneFootball

Toluca took an important step towards the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals by beating the Los Angeles Galaxy 4-2 in the first leg of the quarter-finals, played at the Estadio Nemesio Díez. The Mexican side started better and opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Nicolás Castro.

The standout performer of the night, however, was Paulinho. The Portuguese striker scored a hat-trick in the 43rd, 73rd and 85th minutes, ending his goal drought and giving Toluca a significant advantage in the tie. In between, the Americans responded with goals from Gabriel Pec and Marco Reus in the 66th and 77th minutes respectively, keeping the contest open.

With this performance, the former Sporting player continues to put up impressive numbers. Paulinho now has 29 goals and five assists in 40 matches in the 2025/26 season, a record that strengthens hopes of an eventual call-up to the Portuguese national team for the World Cup.

The decisive second leg is scheduled for next Thursday, 16 April, at Dignity Health Sports Park in California. Toluca hold the advantage, but will have to confirm their place in the semi-finals away from home against an opponent that still believes in a comeback.

Before that clash, both teams have domestic commitments. Toluca host Atlético San Luis in the Mexican Clausura, while LA Galaxy travel to Austin FC in an MLS match, looking to build confidence ahead of the second leg.

Watch the third goal:

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.