Real Madrid found a resounding answer to their attacking needs in their youth academy. Gonzalo Garcia, the 21-year-old forward, scored a hat trick in the 5-1 thrashing of Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu, in a match marked by the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe and the team's need to send a message of authority after the winter break. Get 20% off UEFA Champions League broadcasts in Spanish on DAZN. The young striker took advantage of one of his few starts this season to score his first three La Liga goals. A product of the club's youth academy, Garcia made his first-team debut in November 2023 and has been accumulating playing time under Xabi Alonso, who entrusted him with the role of the league's top scorer. "It was a dream match for him," Alonso said of his player. "Playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, my first season with the first team, and scoring a hat-trick. I wanted to score here, and I'm happy for him and for how he works every day, whether he plays or not. He has an incredible attitude and is a fantastic example of what it means to be a Real Madrid youth academy product."

A necessary win before the Super Cup

Garcia opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a header from a Rodrygo free kick, after making a run at the far post. In the second half, he extended the lead by controlling the ball with his chest and volleying it from the edge of the area to make it 2-0. Shortly after, Raul Asensio increased the advantage with a header from a corner, also delivered by Rodrygo.

Betis managed to pull one back in the 66th minute through Colombian Cucho Hernandez, but the visitors' momentum was short-lived. Gonzalo completed his hat trick in the 82nd minute with a subtle backheel flick to finish off a pass from Arda Guler, before being substituted to a standing ovation. Fran Garcia, his replacement, sealed the victory in stoppage time. “I've been a Real Madrid fan since I was a child and spent many years in the youth academy, “So, to be cheered off by these fans is a very special moment that will stay with me forever,” said Gonzalo Garcia. “I hope there will be many more goals, many more victories, and a special year for everyone."The victory allowed Real Madrid to maintain second place in the table, four points behind Barcelona, ????who had beaten Espanyol 2-0 the previous day. Villarreal, in third, is seven points behind, although they have played two fewer matches. Beyond the result, the performance served to alleviate the pressure surrounding the team before the break and to boost confidence ahead of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid will travel to Jeddah to face Atletico de Madrid in the semifinals, aiming to reach the final against either Barcelona or Athletic Club. “It was an important and well-deserved victory to start the year at home,” added Alonso. “Starting like this is key, with calm and positive feelings before the Super Cup.”