Gonzalo Garcia scores hat-trick in Real Madrids 5-1 win over Betis sans Mbappe
Gonzalo Garcia netted a hat-trick for Real Madrid in their 5-1 victory against Real Betis on Sunday, keeping them close behind La Liga frontrunners Barcelona.
The young Spanish forward, stepping up in place of the sidelined Kylian Mbappe, struck first after 20 minutes and added a stunning volley just after the break to put Madrid firmly in control.
Raul Asencio then boosted Xabi Alonsos teams lead further, until Cucho Hernandez grabbed a consolation for Manuel Pellegrinis sixth-placed outfit.
Homegrown talent Garcia sealed his treble in the 82nd minute with a deft finish, thrilling the Santiago Bernabeu crowd, before Fran Garcia capped it with a late fifth goal.
Sitting second in the table, Madrid reduced Barcas advantage to four points following the champions narrow 2-0 win over Espanyol in Saturdays Catalan clash.
This result took some heat off Alonso, who had clung to his position until 2026 amid speculation of dismissal after a spell of erratic results.
With star striker Mbappe out due to a knee injury, Alonso relied on the 21-year-old Garcia, just as he had in the Club World Cup over the summer.
Despite sparse chances this term, Garcia shone brightly after impressing in the States, proving his worth once more.
"These goals mean a lot to me, my debut hat-trick at the Bernabeu and my first of the campaign," he shared with the press, while noting the battle for playing time ahead.
"Ahead of me are world-class stars like Mbappe, Rodrygo Goes, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius," he added.
"I concentrate on my game, training hard daily and seizing every chance the manager offers, like today, hoping to contribute whenever Im on the pitch."
Youth prospects shine
Madrid dominated from the outset, earning their opener via Garcias header from Rodrygos free-kick.
Betis fought their way back and posed more threats for the rest of the opening period, yet failed to trouble Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois.
The hosts stretched their advantage soon after halftime with Garcias exquisite volley, chesting down Fede Valverdes pass before smashing it in from outside the area.
Another academy graduate, Asencio, headed in Rodrygos corner to make it three before the hour, in what stood as one of Alonsos most assured displays.
Having locked in the win, Madrid eased off, allowing Betis chances, as Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo Riquelme struck the frame and Hernandez slipped past Courtois to score.
Garcia quickly re-established the three-goal buffer with a clever touch off Arda Gulers delivery, earning cheers even from the injured Mbappe in the stands.
In the games dying moments, ex-youth defender Fran Garcia, who had stints at Rayo Vallecano, slotted home Valverdes cross for a resounding triumph.
"A difficult match for us, best left behind, and we must move on swiftly," commented Betis midfielder Marc Roca.
Next up, fourth-placed Atletico Madrid head to Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid will take on rivals Atletico in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia this Thursday.