Gonzalo Garcia didn’t just fill in for Kylian Mbappé, he stole the spotlight.
The 21-year-old academy graduate smashed a brilliant hat-trick as Real Madrid thrashed Real Betis 5-1 at the Bernabéu, keeping the pressure firmly on La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Handed a rare start with Mbappé sidelined by a knee injury, Garcia wasted no time making his case. He opened the scoring with a looping header after 20 minutes, then produced the goal of the game early in the second half — controlling a long ball on his chest before rifling a sublime volley into the net.
Raúl Asencio made it 3-0 from a corner as Madrid cruised, before Betis briefly threatened a comeback. Cucho Hernández pulled one back after Betis hit the woodwork twice, but any hopes of a twist
were swiftly crushed.
Garcia completed his hat-trick in style, flicking home Arda Güler’s cross to a standing ovation and an approving look from Mbappé in the stands. Fran García added a late fifth to cap a ruthless display.
The win trims Barcelona’s lead back to four points and eases the pressure on Xabi Alonso, who had been under scrutiny following an inconsistent run.
With Mbappé out, Madrid found an unlikely hero — and possibly a new solution.
(with AFP inputs)
