Madrid, Jan 26 (NationPress) Kylian Mbappe netted a hat-trick as Real Madrid surged four points ahead at the pinnacle of La Liga following a dominant away victory over Valladolid. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid faltered at home against Villarreal.

Mbappe initiated the scoring after 30 minutes by combining with Jude Bellingham and doubled his tally just 10 minutes into the second half when Rodrygo advanced and delivered a pass to the left, enabling Mbappe to cut inside and finish with a right-footed shot.

In the dying moments, Real Madrid was awarded their 10th penalty of the season following a foul on Bellingham, resulting in Valladolid defender Mario Martin receiving a red card. Mbappe converted the penalty, sealing the scoreline at 3-0 and completing his hat trick, according to reports from Xinhua.

Atletico Madrid dropped two valuable points in their title pursuit as they settled for a 1-1 draw at home against fifth-placed Villarreal.

Atletico’s coach Diego Simeone opted to leave Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo de Paul on the bench to prepare for next week’s crucial Champions League away match against Salzburg, a decision that resulted in a lackluster first half.

Both teams struggled offensively, but Villarreal took the lead from the penalty spot after Gerard Moreno was fouled by Reinildo Mandava despite Atletico's claims of contact with the ball.

Moreno confidently converted the penalty, but Samuel Lino equalized for Atletico after Angel Correa's shot was parried. Atletico failed to capitalize on their opportunities during the final half-hour.

Cedric Bakambu scored a last-minute header to secure a 1-0 victory for Betis over Mallorca, who had dominated the match until they were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute due to a questionable red card issued to midfielder Omar Mascarell.

Espanyol secured a crucial point in their battle against relegation with a 1-1 draw away at Sevilla, thanks to Marash Kumbulla’s close-range finish following a corner. Loic Bade ensured a point for Sevilla by curling in a shot from outside the area just eight minutes after a goal was disallowed for a prior foul.

A late free kick from Adnan Januzaj salvaged a point for Las Palmas, denying Osasuna their first league win in nine matches. The match saw referee Gil Manzano issue 15 yellow cards and send off Las Palmas midfielder Dario Essugo.

Aimar Oroz had given Osasuna a deserved lead early in the second half, but Januzaj’s free kick through the Osasuna wall in the 98th minute denied the visitors their well-earned victory.