Gonzalo Garcia scored a brilliant hat-trick as Real Madrid started the new year with a bang

(Football result) - Real Madrid overwhelmingly controlled Real Betis, winning 5-1 at the Bernabéu courtesy of Gonzalo Garcia’s hat-trick, affirming their power and team depth.

Real Madrid enjoyed a stellar evening at Santiago Bernabéu, defeating Real Betis 5-1 in the 18th round of La Liga, witnessed by over 75,000 fans. The Royal Club demonstrated superior strength by effectively capitalizing on chances and showing sharpness in set-piece situations.

From the opening minutes, Real Madrid pushed forward aggressively, constantly pressuring Betis’ goal. After several missed opportunities, the deadlock was finally broken in the 20th minute. From a free kick by Rodrygo, Gonzalo Garcia escaped his marker and leapt to deliver a precise header, putting the hosts ahead.

In the second half, Real Madrid maintained their attacking rhythm. At the 50th minute, Federico Valverde delivered an accurate pass for Gonzalo Garcia, who calmly finished with a diagonal shot to make it 2-0. Just six minutes later, “Los Blancos” doubled their lead when Raul Asencio scored precisely from close range following a corner kick by Rodrygo.

Trailing by a large margin, Betis fought back and their efforts paid off in the 66th minute. Cucho Hernandez performed a classy solo run inside the box, beating goalkeeper Courtois before softly placing the ball into the empty net, reducing the deficit to 1-3.

However, the visitors’ hopes were quickly extinguished. In the 82nd minute, Arda Guler provided a clever assist for Gonzalo Garcia, who completed his personal hat-trick with a spontaneous backheel, sealing a 4-1 win for Real Madrid.

In the final moments, Fran Garcia scored to finalize the score at 5-1 for Real Madrid. This convincing victory reinforces Real Madrid’s status as top contenders for the title, while Betis must significantly improve their defense to avoid further setbacks in upcoming matches.

Team news Real Madrid vs Real Betis

Real Madrid:Alexander-Arnold, Carvajal, Eder Militao, Mbappe, Valverde are injured. Diaz is away on international duty.

Real Betis:Firpo, Isco, Llorente are injured. Amrabat, Bakambu, Ezzalzouli are on international duty.

Expected lineups Real Madrid vs Real Betis

Real Madrid:Courtois, Mendy, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo.

Real Betis:Valles, Bellerin, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez, Roca, Fornals, Antony, Lo Celso, Ruibal, Hernandez.

Form & Head-to-head record

Real Madrid form:In their last 5 matches, Real Madrid won 3 and lost 2. They scored 8 goals and conceded 7.

Real Betis form:In their last 5 matches, Real Betis won 3, drew 1, and lost 1. They scored 12 goals and conceded 6.

Head-to-head record:In the last 5 encounters, Real Madrid won 1, drew 3, and lost 1. Real Betis won 1, drew 3, and lost 1.