Real Madrid began the new year with a spectacular statement of intent, demolishing Real Betis 5-1 in a one-sided La Liga encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The star of the show was young substitute striker Gonzalo Garcia, who announced himself on the big stage with a brilliant hat-trick.
Garcia Seizes His Moment in Mbappe's Absence
With global superstar Kylian Mbappe sidelined due to injury, all eyes were on who would step up for Los Blancos. The answer came emphatically from Gonzalo Garcia. Introduced from the bench, the young forward delivered a performance of stunning composure and clinical finishing, netting three times to dismantle the Betis defence.
His goals were the centrepiece of a match where the final scoreline perfectly reflected Real Madrid's utter dominance. The home team controlled proceedings from start to finish, showcasing superiority in both attack and defence. The Bernabeu crowd witnessed a masterclass as their team systematically broke down the opposition.
A Dominant Display from Start to Finish
The victory was built on a foundation of complete control. Real Madrid's midfield dictated the tempo, while the defence snuffed out most of Real Betis's attacking threats. The 5-1 result was a fair reflection of the gulf in class on the day. While Garcia rightly grabbed the headlines with his trio of goals, the win was a comprehensive team effort.
This resounding performance sends a powerful message to the rest of the league, particularly to their arch-rivals at the top of the table. The three points earned are crucial in the context of the title race.
Title Race Heats Up as Madrid Close the Gap
The most significant consequence of this thrashing is in the La Liga standings. This convincing win ensures that Real Madrid remains firmly in the hunt for the championship, applying intense pressure on the current leaders.
Carlo Ancelotti's side has now narrowed the gap with Barcelona to just four points. The victory injects fresh momentum into their campaign and sets up a thrilling second half of the season. For Gonzalo Garcia, it is a career-defining night that promises more to come, while for Real Madrid, it is a perfect start to 2026.
