Toluca crushed Los Angeles FC 4-0 at Estadio Nemesio Diez to reach the Champions Cup final, completing a 5-2 aggregate success, as Paulinho struck twice in stoppage time and LAFC finished with 10 players after a late dismissal.

LAFC had controlled the tie after a 2-1 first-leg victory in California last week, and expected to edge past the Liga MX leaders for a meeting with Tigres UANL, with the 30 May showpiece offering qualification for the 2029 Club World Cup and next season’s Intercontinental Cup.

Toluca started with high intensity, hemming LAFC back and firing 18 shots before the interval, yet none found a way past Hugo Lloris, while LAFC created little in response and struggled to relieve pressure inside a hostile Estadio Nemesio Diez.

The breakthrough came soon after half-time. Helinho scored from the spot after Ryan Hollingshead fouled Helinho inside the area. Everardo Lopez then hammered a long-range strike in the 58th minute. Ryan Porteous saw red on 87 minutes, before Paulinho hit two stoppage-time goals, both supplied by Pavel Perez.

LAFC’s frustration showed on and off the pitch after the heavy defeat, with the club acknowledging the end of the campaign on social media, posting the message “Our @TheChampions journey comes to an end.” alongside footage from the night.

Earlier, LAFC had a major opportunity to change the tie. Denis Bouanga’s effort was saved by Luis Garcia, and Timothy Tillman fired rebound over empty net. That single moment carried 0.72 expected goals, dwarfing every other LAFC chance. LAFC finished with 1.25 xG from five attempts overall.

Toluca’s relentless attacking produced 31 shots and 3.82 expected goals. Hugo Lloris made 11 saves as the Liga MX side controlled territory and tempo. That dominance ensured safe passage to the Champions Cup final against Tigres UANL.

The 5-2 aggregate scoreline reflected Toluca’s superiority over two legs. LAFC’s promising 2-1 home win in California faded under pressure in Mexico. With a place at the 2029 Club World Cup and the Intercontinental Cup available, Toluca now prepares for a decisive meeting with Tigres UANL on 30 May.