Paulinho scored a spectacular backheel goal for Deportivo Toluca in their 2-0 victory over Santos Laguna in Matchday 9 of the Apertura 2026. The Brazilian finished with elegance inside the six-yard box following a precise pass from Alexis Vega, sealing a key win at the Nemesio Díez stadium.
Federico Viñas had opened the scoring earlier, also assisted by Vega from a corner kick. Paulinho's goal, which came in the 43rd minute, showed his full recovery after a brief absence due to a soleus injury. He returned to action in the Leagues Cup final and had already scored against Atlas coming off the bench in Matchday 8.
Leadership strengthened
This win allows Toluca to stays at the top of Liga MX, with 19 points from eight games. With a +12 goal difference, the Red Devils maintain a two-point lead over their closest chasers.
The collective good form is supported by contributions like Paulinho's, who appears to have regained his best version. His partnership with Alexis Vega, provider of both assists in the match, is a lethal weapon for the team. The squad, which you can explore in detail on the squad page, faces the next challenge with confidence.
The schedule now takes Toluca to visit fourth-placed Cruz Azul on September 26th. A high-voltage clash that will further define the leader's aspirations, with preview details available in our upcoming fixtures section. Paulinho's continued rich vein of form will be a key factor to watch in that encounter.
Read the full report at Record MX
Deportivo Toluca suffered a dramatic 2-3 defeat to Santos Laguna in Matchday 9, after having led 2-0. The club confirmed the final score, which leaves the team second in Liga MX with 13 points. Goals from Federico Viñas and Paulinho, both assisted by Alexis Vega, were not enough. Santos came back with goals from Ezequiel Bullaude, Kevin Palacios, and Fran Villalba in the closing minutes.
