Teenage star Lamine Yamal’s first career hat-trick inspired Barcelona to a 4-1 win over Villarreal, extending their lead at the top of La Liga.

TEENAGE sensation Lamine Yamal scored his first career hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Villarreal 4-1 to move four points clear at the top of La Liga.

The 18-year-old winger struck twice before half-time and completed his treble after the break, with Robert Lewandowski adding a late fourth at Camp Nou.

Yamal, who became the youngest player to score a La Liga hat-trick this century, said he was finally playing with happiness again after a period of struggle.

“It was a mix of everything. I wasn’t feeling good about myself, plus the (groin issue) as well, I wasn’t playing happy, and I think it showed,” Yamal told Movistar.

“For about a week or so now I’ve been feeling much better. It was that desire to smile while I was playing that I hadn’t felt for a long time, and now I’m happy.”

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Yamal’s return to form, noting the winger had regained his confidence after earlier being marked by multiple defenders.

“When he enjoys playing football it’s perfect for him and also for us,” Flick told reporters.

Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral admitted his side had no answer for Yamal’s brilliance, particularly for the third goal.

“We gave him a motorway (to run into) and if you give a motorway to Lamine it’s normal he scores against you,” he said.

The victory extends Barcelona’s lead over Real Madrid, who play on Monday, while Villarreal remain fourth.

Atletico Madrid moved up to third, level on points with Villarreal, after a last-gasp 1-0 win at bottom club Real Oviedo.

Julian Alvarez scored a 94th-minute winner to end a near four-month league goal drought and snatch the points for Diego Simeone’s side.

“We went from less to more in our game, we played well in the second half and in the end came Julian’s goal, which was good for him and the team,” Simeone said.

Barcelona now turn their attention to a daunting Copa del Rey task, needing to overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

“Against Atletico it’s not easy, these four goals, but we will fight (to progress) and never give up,” added Flick.

 The Sun Malaysia