Gonzalo García Nets Hat-Trick as Real Madrid Overpower Betis 5-1 at the Bernabéu

Key Takeaways:

• Real Madrid defeated Betis 5-1 at the Bernabéu in the 18th round of La Liga
• Gonzalo García, aged 21, scored a hat-trick in place of the injured Kylian Mbappé
• Real Madrid has 45 points, remaining second, four points adrift of leaders Barcelona

García Shines in Dominant Win

Real Madrid produced a commanding display to outclass Betis 5-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu in their La Liga 18th round encounter. The standout performer was homegrown talent Gonzalo García, who stepped into the starting line-up for the injured Kylian Mbappé and delivered a stunning hat-trick performance, drawing plaudits from the home support.

Key Moments and Scoring Breakdown

García, aged 21, opened the scoring in the 20th minute, converting a header to put the hosts ahead. He struck again five minutes into the second half, expertly controlling the ball with his chest and uncorking a volley from the edge of the box that left the goalkeeper with no chance.

🤯 Hat-trick… ¡PERFECTO! pic.twitter.com/Y3E2ZqsaKF

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 4, 2026

Fellow Real Madrid academy graduate Raúl Asensio increased the margin to three with his effort in the 60th minute. Betis responded quickly, reducing the deficit through Cucho Hernández on 65 minutes. However, García restored the three-goal cushion in the 82nd minute, showcasing his flair with a backheel finish set up by Arda Güler to complete his hat-trick.

García received a standing ovation when he was substituted with just two minutes remaining, and his replacement, Francisco García, found the net late on to round out the scoring.

Standings Update

This emphatic result sees Real Madrid maintain second place in La Liga with 45 points, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points. Real Betis, meanwhile, sit sixth on 28 points as the league campaign progresses.