Tajon Buchanan produced the performance of his career with a hat-trick as Villarreal thrashed Girona 5-0 at the Estadio de la Cerámica, making it two wins from two to start their LaLiga EA Sports campaign.
Softfootball reports that the Canadian winger, scoring the first treble of his career, became only the second Canadian player to net a hat-trick in Europe’s top five leagues this century, underlining his growing influence in Marcelino’s side.
The contest was effectively over by halftime as Villarreal struck four times in a blistering opening 28 minutes. Nicolas Pépé set the tone after just seven minutes, punishing a defensive lapse to slot past Vladyslav Krapyvtsov. Buchanan then lit up the night with a stunning solo effort on 16 minutes, surging down the right flank before unleashing a thunderous strike into the roof of the net.
Girona were reeling, and the hosts pressed home their advantage in ruthless fashion. A clever short corner routine saw Yeremy Pino deliver for Rafa Marín to head in the third, before Sergi Cardona’s low cross found Buchanan, who tapped home to make it 4-0.
With the game all but settled, Villarreal eased into the second half, content to control proceedings while their opponents looked shell-shocked. Girona’s misery deepened in the 64th minute when Buchanan completed his hat-trick, finishing a swift counterattack with another powerful strike. New signing and Arsenal player Thomas Partey came on for Villareal to ensure the result for the yellow submarines.
Watch the players celebrate with Tajon Buchanan, uploaded via the Yellow’s official X account:
The Yellow Submarine then cruised to the final whistle, sealing a statement win and extending their run of scoring at least two goals to five consecutive league matches.
For Villarreal, it has been a perfect start to the season, with seven goals scored and none conceded across their first two fixtures following their 2-0 win over Real Oviedo on the opening weekend. Girona, meanwhile, remain without a point after two defeats, a stark contrast to their top-four finish just two years ago.
