Madrid – Real Madrid emphatically defeated Real Betis 5-1 on Sunday, fueled by a stunning hat-trick from forward Gonzalo Garcia. The victory at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium significantly narrowed the gap with La Liga leaders Barcelona, putting pressure on the Catalan club as the season progresses. This win provides a much-needed boost for manager Xabi Alonso amid recent speculation regarding his future.
The match, played on January 4, 2026, saw Garcia step up in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe, proving to be a decisive factor in Real Madrid’s dominant performance. Barcelona had previously secured a 2-0 win against Espanyol on Saturday, maintaining their lead but leaving the door open for Real Madrid to close the gap.
Gonzalo Garcia Leads Real Madrid to Crucial Victory
Garcia’s performance was the highlight of the match. He opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a well-placed header from a Rodrygo Goes free-kick. He then added a spectacular volley early in the second half, showcasing his versatility and finishing ability. His third goal, a clever flicked finish in the 83rd minute, sealed his hat-trick and delighted the home crowd.
A Response to Recent Challenges
The win comes at a critical time for Xabi Alonso, who had faced increasing scrutiny following a period of inconsistent results. Reports had suggested his position as manager was under threat, but this convincing victory eases some of that pressure. The team’s performance demonstrated a renewed focus and attacking intent.
Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia also contributed to the scoreline, adding further gloss to the result. Asencio nodded home a corner from Rodrygo, while Fran Garcia completed the rout with a late goal from a Fede Valverde cross. Despite the comfortable scoreline, Real Betis did manage to find the net through Cucho Hernandez, who capitalized on a rare defensive lapse from the hosts.
However, Betis’s efforts were largely contained, with Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo Riquelme hitting the woodwork. Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, remained largely untroubled despite Betis’s attempts to create chances. The La Liga title race is heating up, and this result underscores Real Madrid’s determination to challenge for the championship.
The availability of Mbappe remains a key factor for Real Madrid’s success. His knee sprain has necessitated a reliance on players like Garcia, who have seized the opportunity to prove their worth. The team’s ability to perform effectively in his absence demonstrates the depth of the squad and Alonso’s tactical flexibility. This victory also highlights the importance of youth academy products like Garcia contributing to the first team.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are also in contention, currently sitting in fourth place and scheduled to play Real Sociedad later on Sunday. The outcome of that match will further shape the Spanish football landscape and the battle for Champions League qualification. The competition for top spots in La Liga is fierce, with several teams vying for success.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will need to maintain this level of performance as they navigate a challenging schedule. The team’s next fixture will be closely watched to see if they can build on this momentum. The return of Mbappe from injury will also be a significant boost, but Garcia has proven he can deliver when called upon. The league standings will continue to evolve in the coming weeks, and the race for the title promises to be a thrilling contest.
Agence France-Presse contributed to this report.
