Toluca's Spectacular Showdown: Paulinho Shines with a Hat-Trick at Estadio Jalisco
An exhilarating display by Toluca and their star forward Paulinho at Estadio Jalisco was enough to secure a 3-2 victory over Atlas. This win not only placed Toluca momentarily at the top of the Clausura 2025 standings but also elevated Paulinho to the top scorer position.
Toluca swiftly took control of the match with Jess Angulo providing early warnings of what was to come. The visitors seized the lead in the 24th minute, capitalizing on Atlas’s lackluster defense.
Jesús Angulo drifted from the midfield to assist Paulinho. The Portuguese striker unleashed a stunning long-range shot that curled into the net past Camilo Vargas in the 15th minute, giving Toluca the early advantage.
This goal further fueled Toluca’s momentum, allowing them to double their lead in the 24th minute. A free kick by Alexis Vega led to a rebound that found Paulinho, who finished effortlessly after a pass from Juan Pablo Domínguez. Initially ruled offside, a two-minute VAR review confirmed the goal.
Atlas had yet to threaten Toluca’s goal when, in the 30th minute, they finally made an impact. Eduardo Aguirre scored a brilliant free kick from the left that curled into the opposite corner, igniting the home crowd.
Encouraged, Atlas pushed for an equalizer before halftime. From a right-side corner, Diego González’s delivery reached Djuka, who assisted Eduardo Aguirre. Aguirre secured his brace with a near-post finish in the 45th minute.
The second half saw fewer scoring chances with a midfield stalemate. VAR intervened in the 53rd minute to review a red card shown to Martín Nervo for a foul on Paulinho. After further review, referee Daniel Quintero downgraded it to a yellow card.
Toluca clinched their win with Paulinho’s hat-trick in the 77th minute. Jesú0021s Angulo’s precise cross found Paulinho rising high to head the ball into the net at the far post, securing a 3-2 lead for Toluca. With 12 goals this season, Paulinho stands alone as the top scorer, eyeing the golden boot.
Already secured a playoff spot, Toluca concluded the match as league leaders, pending Saturday’s game of América. They will next face Atlético de San Luis midweek. Meanwhile, Atlas, out of the Play-In race, will visit Querétaro for their next clash in Jornada 16.