Real Madrid 5-1 Real Betis (García x3, Asencio & Fran). Back on track? Here is the immediate reaction to the impressive performance. Still to come: Player ratings, interviews and a ManagingMadrid podcast.
After winning the last three games of 2025, Real Madrid had a rare yet well received break over the new year period. Real Betis would be the first challenge of 2026, and Kylian Mbappé was out for the count. With Endrick out on loan to Lyon, Gonzalo García was called upon for his first genuine opportunity
since his stellar Club World Cup campaign. Raúl Asencio started at centre-back, and Fede Valverde continued to play as a right-back in an otherwise unassuming line-up. Fede Valverde got the captains armband back for the year’s first game.
Real Madrid started on the front foot, but wouldn’t really cause any danger until they secured the opening goal through none other than Gonzalo García, whose clever movement allowed an equally clever headed effort that drifted the ball past the goalkeeper. This would be as good as it got in the first half, with no decent chances falling for either side. 1-0 at half-time.
Gonzalo García would remind everyone why he is such a hot prospect, doubling the lead early on with a delightful finish after controlling the ball on the edge of the area. Minutes later, another Castilla graduate would make it three – as Raúl Asencio headed home a Rodrygo Goes corner. The second half was certainly making up for the first, as Betis pulled one back in an attempt to rescue something from the game. Gonzalo then secured his hat-trick, with a superb flick – before Fran García made it five in added time to make it an excellent day for La Fábrica. Full time: 5-1 to Real Madrid. Is the team back to its best under Xabi Alonso?
