Gonzalo Garcia scored a sensational hat-trick as Real Madrid thrashed Real Betis 5-1 on Sunday, keeping pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The 21-year-old Spanish striker, filling in for the injured Kylian Mbappe, opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a looping header from Rodrygo’s free-kick. Garcia then volleyed a stunning second early in the second half, giving Xabi Alonso’s side a commanding lead. Raul Asencio further extended Madrid’s advantage before Cucho Hernandez pulled one back for sixth-placed Betis.
Garcia completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute with a clever flicked finish, delighting fans at the Santiago Bernabeu. Fran Garcia added a late fifth to cap an emphatic win. The result cut Barcelona’s lead to four points after the champions edged Espanyol 2-0 in the Catalan derby on Saturday.
Alonso, under pressure amid inconsistent form, found relief as the young forward stepped up in Mbappe’s absence due to a knee injury. Garcia, who also impressed during last year’s Club World Cup, said after the match:
"These were three very special goals, my first hat-trick here at the Bernabeu and my first goals of the season. I know I have to fight for minutes with world-class players like Mbappe, Rodrygo, Bellingham, and Vinicius ahead of me. I just focus on myself and making the most of every opportunity."
Madrid started the match strongly, taking the deserved lead through Garcia. Betis responded and created chances in the first half but could not beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. In the second half, Garcia’s volley from Fede Valverde’s long ball doubled Madrid’s advantage, followed by Asencio’s header from Rodrygo’s corner.
Betis briefly threatened as Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo Riquelme hit the woodwork, and Hernandez scored to reduce the deficit. Garcia restored the three-goal lead with a precise flick from Arda Guler’s cross, earning applause from the watching Mbappe. Fran Garcia sealed the scoreline with a late strike from Valverde’s cross.
"It was a tough game for us, one to forget. We have to turn the page quickly," said Betis midfielder Marc Roca.
Madrid now prepare to face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, while Atletico travel to face Real Sociedad in La Liga.
