I started 2026 in the best way possible. After watching Real Madrid Basketball win on Friday, I had the chance to visit the Bernabéu on Sunday to watch Real Madrid. Xavi Alono’s team started the new year with a convincing victory over Real Betis. In a spectacular match, Los Blancos’ young stars stole the show against Manuel Pellegrini’s side, winning 5–1. Gonzalo García took the spotlight with an impressive hat-trick.
Real Madrid began the match in second place in La Liga, seven points behind leaders Barcelona, who had beaten Espanyol the day before. Star player Kylian Mbappé was unavailable due to injury, a major setback for Xabi Alonso’s side, as they were missing the league’s top scorer. The Frenchman had already scored eighteen goals in eighteen league matches. Gonzalo García replaced the superstar in the starting lineup. After a trophyless 2025, the home side were eager to start the new year strongly, following their 2–0 win over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu just before Christmas.
Real Betis started 2026 in sixth place and were unbeaten in their previous four matches. Pellegrini’s team had an excellent away record in the first half of the season, with two wins and six draws. They were the only team in La Liga yet to lose on the road. Much of the attention before kick-off was on Cucho Hernández, who had already scored seven league goals this season.
It took Gonzalo García just twenty minutes to open the scoring. A perfect cross to the far post was comfortably headed home by the Spanish forward. In the second half, he doubled the lead with a stunning right-footed volley from outside the penalty area.
Just six minutes later, Raúl Asencio scored Real Madrid’s third goal to seemingly put the game beyond doubt. A corner kick was headed past goalkeeper Álvaro Valles. After that, the home side briefly lost focus, allowing Real Betis to create several chances. Thibaut Courtois made multiple saves but was unable to keep a clean sheet. Cucho Hernández was too fast for the Real Madrid defence, rounded the Belgian goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the net: 3–1.
The Andalusian side continued to search for a second goal, but it was Real Madrid who decided the match. Arda Güler found space on the left flank and delivered a cross to Gonzalo García, who completed his hat-trick with a brilliant backheel finish. These were his first La Liga goals for Los Blancos this season.
Fran García completed Real Madrid’s victory, becoming the third academy graduate to get on the scoresheet. Federico Valverde provided a perfect cross, which was easily tapped in by the Spanish left-back.
Real Madrid now trail Barcelona by four points in the league table. This Thursday, Los Blancos will face Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final. Real Betis remain in sixth place and will look to bounce back against Real Oviedo next Saturday.
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