Teenage star Lamine Yamal credited teammate Pedri’s substitute appearance for shifting the game’s momentum as he secured his first professional hat-trick in Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Villarreal.
Lamine Yamal delivered a career-defining performance at Camp Nou, scoring three goals to move Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga.
Despite the milestone, the 18-year-old revealed he would not be keeping the match ball, opting instead to give it to his mother.
Following the final whistle, television cameras captured the youngster enjoying a celebratory moment with his family.
The forward was quick to praise Pedri’s impact off the bench, noting how the midfielder stabilized the match. “He took control of the game.
The pass he gave me (for the 3-1 goal) was incredible, he left me alone,” Yamal remarked.
He also confirmed that his substitution was pre-planned with Hansi Flick once the three-goal cushion was established, capping a perfect afternoon.