Gonzalo Garcia scored a sensational first La Liga hat-trick as Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 victory over Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu, keeping the pressure on leaders Barcelona.

The 21-year-old forward stepped up in the absence of injured Kylian Mbappe, delivering a performance that showcased his finishing, movement, and composure in front of goal. With the win, Real Madrid cut the gap to Barcelona to just four points in the La Liga title race, while Betis remain sixth in the standings.

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Gonzalo Garcia Shines in Mbappe’s Absence

Mbappe missed the fixture due to a twisted knee, but Garcia’s performance ensured Madrid’s attack did not miss a beat. The forward opened the scoring with a precise header from the back post after 20 minutes, following a defensive lapse from Betis.

Early in the second half, Garcia doubled his tally with a stunning volley, chesting down the ball and striking it beyond goalkeeper Álvaro Valles into the bottom corner. Raul Asencio then added Madrid’s third, heading in from a well-delivered corner to make it 3-0.

Despite Betis pulling a goal back through Cucho Hernandez, who rounded Thibaut Courtois for a clinical finish, Gonzalo completed his first La Liga hat-trick with a sublime backheel flick from Arda Guler’s cross. Substitute Fran Garcia capped the scoring with a stoppage-time finish from Federico Valverde’s assist, sealing a commanding 5-1 triumph.

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Rising Star Continues Impressive Form

Gonzalo Garcia, who scored 25 goals for Real Madrid Castilla last season, has been gradually integrated into the first team. Prior to facing Betis, he had only made one La Liga start this season, often limited by the presence of world-class teammates like Mbappe, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr.

Speaking after the game, Garcia said:
“In front of me I obviously have the best players in the world. I just focus on myself, working day by day and taking the opportunities the coach gives me, like today, and I hope I can deliver and help my teammates every minute I get.”

The 21-year-old had already impressed on the international stage, finishing as joint top-scorer at the FIFA Club World Cup last year with four goals. His display against Betis demonstrated his readiness to shine when called upon in La Liga, even in high-pressure fixtures.

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Key Moments of the Match

• 20th Minute: Gonzalo Garcia opens the scoring with a header after defensive slack from Betis.
• Second Half: Garcia doubles the lead with a superb volley, settling Madrid’s nerves.
• Asencio Goal: Raul Asencio scores his first senior goal from a corner to make it 3-0.
• Betis Reply: Cucho Hernandez rounds Courtois for a neat finish, pulling one back.
• Gonzalo Hat-Trick: A sublime backheel from close range seals his first La Liga hat-trick.
• Fran Garcia Goal: Stoppage-time strike from Valverde’s cross completes the 5-1 scoreline.

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Impact on La Liga Standings

With this win, Real Madrid move to second place, four points behind Barcelona, keeping the title race alive. Betis, despite a valiant effort, remain sixth and will need to regroup quickly ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Real Madrid will have a break in La Liga next weekend due to their Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid on 8 January, giving Garcia and the squad time to recover and build momentum for the remainder of the season.

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Key Takeaways

• Gonzalo Garcia scored his first La Liga hat-trick, stepping up in Mbappe’s absence.
• Real Madrid defeated Real Betis 5-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
• Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia also scored, while Cucho Hernandez netted Betis’ consolation.
• The win reduces the gap to Barcelona to four points in the La Liga title race.
• Garcia continues to show promise following his success at Real Madrid Castilla and the FIFA Club World Cup.