Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a stunning hat-trick to help La Galaxy beat Los Angeles FC 3-2 in the MLS – Major League Soccer of America – on Saturday. The victory in El Trafico helped La Galaxy cut down Los Angeles’ lead to nine points in the domestic league points table. Zlatan scored a stunner in the opening half before netting two more in the second half showing the world once again why despite being 37, he still is capable of demolishing opposition defences. Here’s How Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic & Paul Pogba Will Look 30 Years Down the Line (See Pics).

It was Zlatan’s second hat-trick in the MLS and although Los Angeles are far ahead in the rankings with their striker Carlos Vela in the form of his life, the Swede ensured the spotlight was always on him. Vela scored twice in the game. The first was as early as the fourth minute to give Los Angeles the lead but Zlatan levelled the scored four minutes later with a spectacular right-footer from outside the box. Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus Flies To Singapore for Match Against Tottenham Hotspur in International Champions Cup 2019 (See Pics).

Zlatan Scores Smashing Hat-Trick

Zlatan, who joined La Galaxy in 2018, first controlled a long pass from Julian Araujo on his chest before chipping the ball over two defenders and blasting it home from outside the D. It was stunner and fans present in the Dignity Health Park gave the goal a standing appreciation accompanied by wild celebrations from the La Galaxy players.

The Swede’s second goal came in the 56th minute when he headed home a long ball before scoring another stunning goal in the 70th minute. The third goal was another left-footed shot from outside the Los Angeles penalty box, which flew to the tip of the top-right corner of the net. It was Zlatan’s 520th career goal and gave Galaxy a 3-1 comfortable lead. Vela later pulled one back in the final minute before extra-time but La Galaxy nulled other attacks to hold on to another victory in El Trafico.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2019 09:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).