Yamal's first hat-trick to turn the tide against Atletico Madrid

JAKARTA - Lamine Yamal revealed that he was feeling unwell this season, but said that he was finally enjoying football again after scoring his first hat-trick in his career in Barcelona's 4-1 win over Villarreal in LaLiga on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Yamal scored twice in the first half at Camp Nou and another after the break to become the first 18-year-old to score a hat-trick in Spain's top league since 1967.

However, speaking after the match, he said that it was difficult to perform at his best for a number of reasons during the season. He added that he now feels better towards the end of the season.

"I felt not good (this season). There was a problem (groin) and in general I was not happy. It was a mix of many things. You can tell."

"I feel much better during the last week or so. I smile while playing, which didn't happen before, and I'm happy on the field," Yamal told Movistar, as reported by ESPN.

Despite the problem, Yamal remains one of Barcelona's best players this season. After the hattrick, he became their top scorer with 18 goals in 34 matches in all competitions.

The number is the same as his total goals last season - in 21 games less.

Only two players have scored a hattrick at a younger age although it has to go back almost 100 years to find it, namely Jose Iraragorri at 17 years 337 days in 1930 and Pablo Pombo at 18 years 200 days in 1934.

"I scored more goals every time. At 16, people already wanted you to score 100 goals and it was hard."

"I also want to score more goals, but that's not always possible," Yamal said.

Asked about the problem that has prevented Yamal from enjoying his football this season, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick pointed to the change in the way the defenders take care of him.

"Sometimes the opponent plays two or three players to take care of him. You can feel he sometimes lacks confidence, the dynamics for this one-on-one situation."

"I was happy with him against Villarreal, this must have given him confidence. When he enjoys playing, it's perfect for him and for us," said Flick.

Yamal's first goal came after receiving a pass from Fermin Lopez. His second goal was a brilliant kick after passing two Villarreal players.

Pape Geuye brought Villarreal back into the game before Yamal restored Barcelona's two-goal lead, then substitute Robert Lewandowski completed the scoring late in the game.

The victory took the Blaugrana four points ahead of Real Madrid, but the Catalan team are now turning their attention to the Copa del Rey as they host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semi-final.

Atletico Madrid won the first leg 4-0. The situation makes Barcelona face a tough challenge. However, Flick said that with Yamal in this kind of performance, anything is possible.

"I think everyone saw his performance against Villarreal. The first goal he scored was needed to get into the game. What happened after that was amazing."

"Lamine is fantastic for us at this level. We need him at this level against Atletico Madrid. This is what I want to see," said Flick.