Hat-Trick Hero Garcia Steps Up as Real Madrid Smash Betis

Mbappé absence no problem as Madrid run riot

Gonzalo García proved the perfect stand-in for the injured Kylian Mbappé as Real Madrid swept aside Real Betis with a dominant 5-1 win at the Bernabéu.

With Mbappé sidelined by a knee injury after scoring 34 goals this season, there were concerns for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Instead, the 21-year-old García delivered a ruthless performance, scoring a “perfect” hat trick with his right foot, left foot and head.

The result made it four straight wins for Madrid in all competitions and kept them within four points of LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

Garcia breaks the deadlock

Real Madrid started brightly, with Vinícius Júnior causing constant problems down the left. Federico Valverde fired wide, Jude Bellingham saw an effort blocked and Álvaro Valles saved from Rodrygo as Betis struggled to cope.

The breakthrough came after 20 minutes from a needless free kick conceded by Ángel Ortiz. Rodrygo delivered to the far post and García’s clever movement allowed him to head back across goal and inside the far corner.

Betis improved as the half went on and Nelson Deossa came close with a long-range strike that fizzed just wide.

Madrid pull away after the break

García doubled Madrid’s lead five minutes into the second half. Valverde found him on the edge of the box and the forward controlled before smashing a superb volley into the corner.

Moments later, Raúl Asencio made it 3-0, heading home Rodrygo’s corner completely unmarked for his first Real Madrid goal.

At that point Betis looked beaten, but they briefly sparked into life.

Betis response before Garcia seals it

Giovani Lo Celso hit the post from a free kick before Thibaut Courtois saved well from Marc Roca. Cucho Hernández then pulled one back, rounding Courtois and finishing despite Antonio Rüdiger’s attempt to clear off the line.

The Bernabéu grew tense when Betis substitute Rodrigo Riquelme struck the post, but any hopes of a comeback were ended by García.

Meeting Arda Güler’s cross, the youngster finished with a cheeky back heel to complete his hat trick and claim the match ball.

Late gloss keeps title race alive

Substitute Fran García added a fifth deep into stoppage time, latching onto another pinpoint Valverde pass to cap a commanding performance.

Betis remain sixth and in the European places despite the heavy defeat, while Real Madrid stay firmly in the title race.