BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal scored the first hat-trick of his career against Villarreal on Saturday, lifting his team four points clear at the top of La Liga.
According to Opta, Yamal becomes the youngest player to score a hat-trick in La Liga at the age of 18 years and 230 days.
His exploits included a stunning solo effort for the second goal, cutting in from the right, beating an opponent and curling high into the top corner.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said: “He is an extraordinary person and he is here to make people happy.” “He needs goals to give him confidence. He is still young and still needs to develop, but we all know his quality.”
“Opponents put two or three players on him, which makes it difficult. I was very happy with his performance today. When he enjoys his football, it’s perfect for him and for us.”
Substitute Robert Lewandowski added Barcelona’s fourth goal in stoppage time at the Camp Nou.
Second-placed Real Madrid host Getafe on Monday with a chance to restore their lead over Barcelona to one point.
Also on Saturday, Julián Álvarez scored the winning goal late on as Atlético Madrid beat Real Oviedo 1-0, moving them into third place on points with Villarreal.
Iñaki Williams equalized for Athletic Bilbao in their 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano, while Real Sociedad beat Mallorca 1-0.
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This story has been corrected in second paragraph to show Yamal is 18 years old, not 17.
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