A breathtaking hat-trick from Lamine Yamal powered Barcelona to a commanding 4-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, sending the Catalan giants four points clear at the summit of La Liga.
The teenage winger stole the spotlight with a sensational display, claiming the first match ball of his career and reaffirming his status as one of Spain’s brightest young stars. Barcelona brushed aside one of the division’s strongest sides and tightened its grip on the title race ahead of Real Madrid’s fixture on Monday.
Barcelona began the contest with unusual nervousness, allowing Villarreal to apply early pressure. A tentative handball appeal against Alejandro Balde was dismissed, but the warning seemed to ignite the hosts into action.
Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barcelona increased its tempo and soon capitalised on a defensive lapse. After Pape Gueye lost possession attempting unnecessary trickery, Fermin Lopez pounced and threaded a precise pass into Yamal, who calmly curled a low finish into the bottom corner in the 28th minute.
Nine minutes later, the youngster doubled both his tally and Barcelona’s advantage. Collecting the ball near the right touchline, he surged past Sergi Cardona with a slick stepover before evading Alberto Moleiro. With space opening up, Yamal unleashed a fierce strike into the top-right corner to make it 2-0.
Villarreal responded swiftly after halftime. Barcelona failed to clear a corner delivered by Nicolas Pepe, and the loose ball fell to Gueye, who fired home from close range with Joan Garcia beaten. Moments later, Ayoze Perez nearly equalised, racing through on goal but curling his effort narrowly wide.
Sensing the game drifting, Flick introduced Pedri in place of Dani Olmo to restore composure. The substitution proved decisive. In the 69th minute, Pedri located Yamal, who cut inside once more and tucked a precise finish into the bottom-left corner to complete his hat-trick.
With the result beyond doubt, Jules Kounde surged forward late on and squared for Robert Lewandowski to roll the ball into an empty net in stoppage time, sealing a comprehensive win.
Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
Joan Garcia (6/10)
The goalkeeper commanded his area well but was fortunate when Perez missed with Garcia caught off his line.
Jules Kounde (8/10)
The French defender provided constant energy down the right flank and was rewarded with an assist for Lewandowski’s goal.
Pau Cubarsi (6/10)
Handled Villarreal’s limited attacking threat with composure and rarely looked troubled.
Eric Garcia (6/10)
Delivered a steady performance alongside Cubarsi, ensuring defensive stability throughout.
Alejandro Balde (6/10)
Survived an early scare and largely kept Pepe quiet during the contest.
Midfield
Marc Bernal (7/10)
Controlled large spells in midfield and contributed significantly both in possession and defensively.
Fermin Lopez (8/10)
Produced two assists in an influential first half and consistently found pockets of space.
Dani Olmo (5/10)
Struggled to impose himself before being replaced just after the hour mark.
Attack
Lamine Yamal (10/10)
Displayed maturity beyond his years with a composed opener, a stunning second, and a clinical third. A flawless evening for the teenager.
Ferran Torres (5/10)
Missed a clear opportunity and lacked sharpness in front of the goal.
Raphinha (6/10)
Worked tirelessly and created chances, but was partly at fault for Villarreal’s goal.
Subs & Manager
Pedri (8/10)
Brought composure and control to midfield, assisting Yamal’s third and calming the tempo.
Ronald Araujo (6/10)
Entered late and had little defensive work to contend with.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10)
Marked his cameo with a simple finish to round off the scoring.
Marcus Rashford (6/10)
Showed flashes of intent after coming off the bench as Barcelona continues to assess his long-term future.
Roony Bardghji (5/10)
Replaced the hat-trick hero but struggled to make a similar impact.
Hansi Flick (8/10)
Timed his substitutions perfectly and ensured his side maintained control during Villarreal’s brief resurgence.
Barcelona now sit four points clear at the top, with Yamal’s historic night reinforcing their title credentials emphatically.
