Yamal nets first hat trick as Barcelona beat Villarreal in La Liga

FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal scored the first hat trick of his career in a 4–1 win over Villarreal CF on Saturday. The victory moved Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga.

At 18 years and 230 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to score his first hat trick in La Liga, according to Opta.His second goal was the highlight of the match. He cut in from the right wing, beat a defender, and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner.Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised him after the game. “He’s exceptional and he’s here to make people happy," Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said. "We need his goals to give him confidence.

He’s very young and he still has to improve, but everyone knows the quality he has."Opponents put two or three players on him and that makes it difficult. Today I’m very happy for him. When he enjoys his football, it’s perfect for him and for us.”Substitute Robert Lewandowski scored Barcelona’s fourth goal in stoppage time at Camp Nou.Second-placed Real Madrid will host Getafe CF on Monday and could cut Barcelona’s lead to one point with a win.In another match, Iñaki Williams scored for Athletic Bilbao in a 1–1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.Later, fourth-placed Atlético Madrid visited Real Oviedo. A win would move Atlético level on points with third-placed Villarreal.