Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau made Canadian Premier League history by scoring the first-ever hat-trick in CPL Playoffs history, inspiring defending champions Atlético Ottawa to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Forge FC and securing their place in the 2026 CPL Final.
The Ottawa forward delivered an extraordinary performance at Hamilton Stadium on November 7, scoring three times to give Atlético Ottawa a 5-4 aggregate victory in their two-legged semifinal tie.
The result sends Atlético Ottawa into the championship final for the second consecutive season, where they will face Cavalry FC on November 21 as they attempt to defend their North
A Night Of History At Hamilton Stadium
Fleuriau Chateau opened the scoring in the 25th minute, finishing a well-worked attacking move involving Kamron Habibullah and Ballou Tabla. Forge FC responded just before half-time through Hoce Massunda, who restored parity in the 45th minute of added time.
With the contest finely balanced, the Atlético Ottawa forward struck again in the 84th minute, rising to meet a delivery from substitute Roni Mbomio and heading the visitors into a 2-1 lead.
However, the drama was far from over. Forge FC were awarded a late penalty following a video review, and Daniel Nimick converted in the 90th+11 minute to make it 2-2 and seemingly force extra time.
But Fleuriau Chateau had the final say. Just two minutes after Forge’s equaliser, the forward capitalised on a defensive mistake involving Manjrekar James, carried the ball towards the left side of the penalty area and squeezed his finish through goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud’s legs.
His 90th+13-minute strike completed a remarkable hat-trick and secured a 3-2 victory for Atlético Ottawa on the night, sending the defending champions through with a 5-4 aggregate triumph.
The First Of Its Kind In CPL Playoff History
Beyond securing Atlético Ottawa’s place in another final, Fleuriau Chateau’s performance established a new milestone in Canadian football.
According to the Canadian Premier League’s official match report, he became the first player ever to score a hat-trick in CPL playoff history.
His achievement was particularly remarkable because he scored all three goals in different ways: a left-footed finish, a header and a late close-range finish. The league also named him its Player of the Match.
Speaking after the match, the Ottawa native reflected on the unforgettable occasion. “We all dream of these moments, right?” he said.
He also praised his teammates for their support, explaining that their belief had helped him trust himself as a footballer since arriving in Ottawa.
Atlético Ottawa Set Up Championship Rematch
Atlético Ottawa’s victory means they will return to the CPL Final for a second consecutive season, with the opportunity to retain the North Star Cup they won in 2025.
Their opponents will be Cavalry FC, who secured their place in the final after overcoming FC Supra du Québec 3-2 on aggregate.
The championship showdown is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, at ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, with kick-off set for 2 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET).
The final will also offer Atlético Ottawa an opportunity to repeat last season’s achievement against the same opponents, while Cavalry will look to claim the championship on home soil.
For Fleuriau Chateau, however, the semifinal performance has already secured his place in CPL history. Three goals, one historic achievement and a dramatic stoppage-time winner have made him the headline act in Atlético Ottawa’s journey towards another championship.