LA LIGA: YAMAL SCORES FIRST HAT-TRICK AS BARCA BEAT VILLARREAL 4-1

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Barcelona extended their lead at the top of LaLiga to four points over Real Madrid thanks to a historic hat-trick from Lamine Yamal in a 4‑1 victory over Villarreal.

The Blaugrana entered the match wary of Villarreal, having lost at home to the Yellow Submarine in each of the previous two seasons.

However, Yamal’s brilliance ensured there would be no repeat, opening the scoring in the 28th minute before doubling the lead with a trademark curling effort into the top-left corner.

Pape Gueye gave Villarreal a lifeline early in the second half, but Yamal’s third goal not only sealed the win but also made him the youngest player to score a LaLiga hat-trick at just 18 years and 230 days.

Robert Lewandowski added a late fourth from Jules Kounde’s assist, capping Hansi Flick’s 100th game in charge in style.

Yamal Puts Barcelona in Command

Barcelona struggled to break Villarreal down in the opening stages but found the breakthrough when Fermin Lopez threaded a perfect pass to Yamal, who calmly slotted home into the bottom-left corner.

Ten minutes later, Yamal doubled the advantage with a stunning curling effort after weaving past two defenders, putting Villarreal on the back foot.

Villarreal tried to respond, with Ayoze Perez narrowly missing Nicolas Pepe’s cross at the far post. Raphinha’s bending free-kick forced a full-stretch save from Luiz Junior, while Jules Kounde had an effort ruled out for offside.

Villarreal Hope Ends with Yamal History

Early in the second half, Gueye pulled one back for Villarreal after Barcelona failed to clear a corner.

The visitors then had a golden chance to level when Joan Garcia misjudged a ball outside his goal, presenting Perez with an open-net opportunity, which he squandered.

Barcelona restored their two-goal cushion as Yamal completed his hat-trick, calmly finishing a sublime through ball from Pedri.

Lewandowski then made it 4‑1 in stoppage time, securing a comfortable win and keeping the pressure on Real Madrid, who face Getafe on Monday.