Lamine Yamal scored his first career hat-trick as Barcelona recorded a 4-1 win over Villarreal and remained at the top of La Liga.
The 18-year-old put Barcelona firmly in control by scoring twice in the space of nine minutes before half-time – both goals were scored by Fermín López. His clinical finishing ensured the hosts went into the break with a commanding lead.
Villarreal responded after halftime when Senegalese midfielder Pep Gueye reduced the deficit, and the visitors missed a great chance to level the scores moments later.
However, Yamal completed his historic treble to restore Barcelona's dominance, before substitute Robert Lewandowski added a fourth in stoppage time to seal the result.
The win puts Barcelona four points ahead of Real Madrid CF, who host Getafe CF on Monday.
According to Opta, Yamal's feat, achieved at the age of 18 years and 230 days, makes him the youngest player to score his first La Liga hat-trick this century, underscoring his rapid progression as one of Spanish football's hottest talents.
