Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal scored the first hat-trick of his career as Barcelona defeated Villarreal CF 4-1 to remain top of La Liga.
At just 18 years and 230 days old, Yamal became the youngest player this century to score his first La Liga treble, according to Opta.
His three-goal display ensured Barcelona moved four points clear of Real Madrid, who host Getafe on Monday.
Barcelona seized control before half-time, with Yamal striking twice in nine minutes - both goals created by the influential Fermin Lopez.
Fermin, promoted to the starting XI after scoring off the bench in the recent win over Levante, was central to the hosts’ attacking rhythm.
He first latched onto a loose ball in midfield and fed Yamal, who took a steadying touch before finishing confidently.
Moments later, the winger produced a moment of individual brilliance, gliding past two defenders on the right before unleashing a powerful drive beyond goalkeeper Luiz Junior.
Villarreal responded after the interval.
Junior denied Dani Olmo from close range before Pape Gueye capitalised on a loose ball from a corner to reduce the deficit.
The visitors, who had won three of their previous four matches to climb into third place, nearly drew level when Ayoze Perez was presented with an opportunity following hesitation from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
However, with defenders retreating, the former Newcastle and Leicester forward fired wide from distance.
Tensions briefly flared on the touchline, with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and his Villarreal counterpart both cautioned.
Flick responded by introducing Pedri, a move that helped Barcelona reassert control.
Pedri’s influence was immediate.
The midfielder threaded a precise through ball into Yamal’s path, and the teenager finished from a tight angle to complete his landmark hat-trick - taking his league tally to 13 goals this season and surpassing 100 combined goals and assists for club and country.
There was still time for a fourth. Pedri and Jules Kounde combined neatly down the right, with the latter squaring for Robert Lewandowski to tap in his 11th La Liga goal in stoppage time.
It was a statement victory from Barcelona, powered by the extraordinary talent of Yamal - and one that keeps them firmly in control of the title race.
