Real Madrid delivered a commanding performance at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, thrashing Real Betis 5-1 to keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona. The star of the show was young striker Gonzalo Garcia, who stepped up in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe to score a brilliant hat-trick.
Garcia Seizes His Chance With Mbappe Sidelined
With top scorer Kylian Mbappe out with a knee sprain, manager Xabi Alonso turned to 21-year-old academy product Gonzalo Garcia. The Spanish forward, who had limited opportunities this season, grabbed his chance with both hands. He opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a looping header from a Rodrygo free-kick.
Garcia doubled his and Madrid's tally early in the second half with a moment of pure quality. He controlled a long ball from Fede Valverde on his chest before unleashing a superb volley from the edge of the box. Raul Asencio, another youth academy graduate, headed in a third from a corner before the hour mark to put the game beyond doubt.
Betis managed a consolation goal through Cucho Hernandez, but Garcia had the final say. He completed his memorable hat-trick after 82 minutes with a clever flicked finish from Arda Guler's cross. Defender Fran Garcia, another former academy player, added a late fifth to complete the rout.
Alonso's Pressure Eased as Academy Shines
The emphatic victory provided much-needed relief for manager Xabi Alonso, whose position had been under scrutiny after a run of inconsistent form. He was particularly pleased that all five goals were scored by players who came through the club's famed youth system.
"It's a great stat, that the five goals were scored by academy players, it shows the great work being done there," said Alonso. "In Gonzalo's case, with his hat-trick, I'm very happy for him and the team, it was an important and deserved win."
Garcia, speaking after the match, acknowledged the competition he faces but vowed to keep working hard. "These were three very special goals, my first hat-trick here at the Bernabeu, my first goals this season as well," he told reporters. "In front of me I obviously have the best players in the world... I just focus on myself, which means working day by day and taking the opportunities the coach gives me."
La Liga Title Race and Atletico's Stumble
The result had significant implications for the La Liga table. Real Madrid, in second place, cut Barcelona's lead back to four points after the champions had beaten Espanyol 2-0 in the Catalan derby on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid's title hopes suffered a blow as they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Real Sociedad later on Sunday. Diego Simeone's side took the lead through Alexander Sorloth but were pegged back by Goncalo Guedes just five minutes later. The draw leaves Atletico fourth, 11 points behind Barcelona, having played two games more than third-placed Villarreal.
Real Madrid's attention now turns to the Spanish Super Cup, where they will face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
