Real Madrid secured a 4–1 win over Betis at the Bernabéu, with Gonzalo García’s hat-trick stealing the show in Kylian Mbappé’s absence. Xabi Alonso’s bold selection call turned the night into a memorable one for the academy striker.
Mbappé’s absence was always going to leave a significant gap. Real Madrid’s leading scorer since his arrival was unavailable, and pre-match discussion largely centred on a fluid attacking setup without a recognised centre-forward.
Instead, Alonso went against conventional thinking. Gonzalo García was handed a surprise start, flanked by Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, while Arda Güler began on the bench. The decision raised eyebrows — and was vindicated emphatically.
García led the line with authority, exploiting Betis’ defensive uncertainty and capitalising on the spaces created by Madrid’s wide attackers.
After Betis briefly threatened to make a contest of it, Madrid delivered the decisive blow. Antonio Rüdiger stepped out from defence to find Güler between the lines. Showing composure beyond his years, the midfielder delayed before sliding a precise ball across the face of goal.
García timed his run perfectly, finishing with a delicate backheel to complete his hat-trick and make it 4–1. The outcome was beyond doubt.
The opener carried special significance. It was García’s first LaLiga goal, scored on the biggest domestic stage. His path to the first team, however, has not been straightforward.
After announcing himself at the FIFA Club World Cup — where he finished as top scorer with five goals and one assist to claim the Golden Boot — league opportunities remained limited. At just 21, García chose to stay and fight for his place despite interest from elsewhere, fully aware of the challenge posed by playing behind Mbappé.
On this occasion, he took his chance. His performance helped Madrid respond to Barcelona’s earlier win in Cornellà and served as a reminder of the value of squad depth across a demanding season.
Real Madrid now turn their attention to Saudi Arabia, with Mbappé’s availability still uncertain, at least for the opening fixture against Atlético on the 8th. What is clear, however, is that Gonzalo García has shown he is ready to step in when called upon.
