- the 18-year-old admitted he had struggled physically and mentally in recent weeks but now feels refreshed
- Villarreal responded through Pape Gueye, who reduced the deficit after halftime
- Barcelona will now turn their focus to the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid
Spain international Lamine Yamal delivered a dazzling performance with a first-half double and a late third goal as Barcelona secured a commanding victory at Camp Nou.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the teenager put Hansi Flick’s side in control early on, finding the net twice before the break.
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Villarreal responded through Pape Gueye, who reduced the deficit after halftime, but Yamal completed his hat-trick to restore Barca’s dominance. Robert Lewandowski added a late close-range finish to seal the win.
The result strengthens Barcelona’s lead over Real Madrid, who play Getafe on Monday, while fourth-placed Villarreal now sit 13 points behind the champions.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid climbed to third place, level on points with Villarreal, after Julian Alvarez struck deep into stoppage time to earn a 1-0 win at bottom club Real Oviedo.
Yamal appeared back to his best after battling a groin problem earlier in the season that had affected his form and confidence.
Speaking after the match, the 18-year-old admitted he had struggled physically and mentally in recent weeks but now feels refreshed and happy on the pitch again.
His treble made him the youngest player to score a La Liga hat-trick in the 21st century at 18 years and 230 days old. The winger has now matched last season’s total of 18 goals in all competitions and has become Barcelona’s leading scorer this term.
Flick acknowledged that Yamal had faced heavy marking from opponents and a dip in confidence earlier in the campaign, but praised his renewed sharpness and enjoyment of the game.
Barcelona opened the scoring after Fermin Lopez won possession high up the field and set up Yamal, who curled a precise effort into the net. He added a spectacular second nine minutes later, cutting in from the right, gliding past defenders and firing into the top corner.
Villarreal threatened a comeback when Gueye scored from close range and Ayoze Perez went close to equalising. However, Pedri’s perfectly timed through ball allowed Yamal to complete his hat-trick with a composed finish.
Lewandowski wrapped up the scoring after good work from Pedri and Jules Kounde, who impressed throughout.
Barcelona will now turn their focus to the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, where they must overturn a 4-0 deficit. Flick admitted the challenge would be tough but insisted his team would continue to fight.
Atletico, meanwhile, needed a late intervention from Alvarez to claim all three points against Oviedo.
Diego Simeone’s side relied on several important saves from Jan Oblak before improving after the interval and finally breaking through in the 94th minute. Simeone said his team grew into the contest and deserved the late reward.
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