By 
FC Barcelona strengthened their grip at the top of La Liga with a commanding 4–1 victory over Villarreal at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday.
Teenager Lamine Yamal delivered a stunning performance, scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career to inspire the hosts to a crucial win in the title race.
The winger opened the scoring midway through the first half with a composed finish before doubling the advantage nine minutes later after cutting in from the right.
According to Al Jazeera, Barcelona controlled possession for long spells, but Villarreal showed resilience and briefly threatened a comeback when Pape Gueye pulled a goal back early in the second half.
The visitors’ hopes, however, were short-lived when Yamal restored Barça’s two-goal cushion in the 69th minute, completing his treble with a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Substitute Robert Lewandowski added a fourth in stoppage time to seal an emphatic result.
The victory moves Barcelona four points clear at the summit, applying pressure on rivals Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
Villarreal, meanwhile, remain in contention for European qualification despite the setback.
Contributed by Emmanuel Lungu
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