![Popular Small-Size Actress Aunty Ajara Dies After Liver Illness [VIDEO]](https://thepunchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20241109_125042-75x75.jpg)
Gonzalo García shines with hat-trick at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid began 2026 in emphatic fashion, extending their winning run to four matches with a commanding 5–1 victory over La Liga rivals Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday.
Stand-in striker Gonzalo García stole the spotlight with a memorable hat-trick, while Raúl Asencio opened his Real Madrid account with a well-timed header from a Rodrygo Goes corner — the Brazilian registering his second assist of the afternoon.
Although Cucho Hernández briefly threatened a comeback with a counter-attacking goal that denied Madrid back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since October, late drama was avoided when Fran García sealed the result in injury time.
Three Answers
1. Did the new year and winter break bring a fresh start?
Despite a difficult December, Real Madrid closed out 2025 with three consecutive wins — not always convincing, but crucial in restoring momentum. The winter break offered head coach Xabi Alonso valuable time to reset and work with a refreshed squad.
The most notable tactical adjustment was the shift to a double pivot, pairing Eduardo Camavinga with Aurélien Tchouaméni. The duo provided balance and control, winning the midfield battle against a Betis side that has often dominated central areas this season. Their presence limited the influence of Pablo Fornals and helped Madrid dictate the tempo for long spells.
2. How did Xabi Alonso replace Kylian Mbappé?
With Kylian Mbappé sidelined by a knee injury, speculation mounted over who would lead the line. Some reports even suggested Madrid might deploy Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior as a fluid front two.
Instead, Alonso placed his trust in Gonzalo García, the club’s only fully fit senior centre-forward — a decision that paid off handsomely. García delivered two expertly taken goals early on, drawing chants from the Bernabéu faithful, before completing his hat-trick in style.
Playing as a classic number nine, he offered a constant outlet, stretching Betis’ defence with intelligent movement and physical presence. His performance was so assured that Mbappé, watching from the stands, may now face genuine competition when he returns to full fitness.
3. Could Betis and Pellegrini take points again at the Bernabéu?
Historically, Real Betis have found success at the Bernabéu under Manuel Pellegrini, with Madrid losing two and drawing four of their previous eight home league encounters against the Andalusians — all four draws ending goalless.
This time, however, there was little sign of Betis’ usual defensive discipline. An experienced backline featuring Marc Bartra was undone by poor marking at set pieces and passive defending, allowing Gonzalo García the space to punish them repeatedly.
While Betis showed flashes of danger — particularly through Hernández’s goal and occasional set-piece threats — Madrid looked defensively more secure than they have in recent weeks, controlling the game for the vast majority of the contest.
Three Questions
1. Should Gonzalo García start against Atlético Madrid?
Gonzalo García’s hat-trick marked his first three league goals for Real Madrid, but more importantly, it showcased why he deserves greater involvement. His goals — one from a set-piece header, another from intelligent movement and direct play — highlighted qualities that differ from Mbappé’s style.
This was only García’s fourth start of the season, yet it served as a compelling case for more minutes. With a crucial derby against Atlético Madrid looming on Thursday, his inclusion will depend largely on Mbappé’s fitness. If there is any doubt over the Frenchman’s knee, Madridistas will feel reassured knowing García is ready to deliver.
2. Is Vinícius Júnior better without Mbappé?
Vinícius Júnior produced one of his most electric displays in recent memory, thriving down the left flank. He completed five dribbles in the first half alone, tormenting young Betis right-back Ángel Ortiz, who was booked and withdrawn at half-time in favour of Héctor Bellerín.
The Brazilian had a strong penalty appeal waved away and was central to nearly every attacking move Madrid created in the opening 45 minutes. With greater freedom and responsibility, Vinícius looked fearless, direct, and decisive — raising fresh questions about how best to balance Madrid’s attack when Mbappé returns.
3. Can this performance set the tone for the rest of 2026?
This convincing win was not just about the scoreline, but about clarity — tactical structure, defined roles, and confidence across the pitch. If Madrid can build on this balance between youth and experience, and maintain competition for places, performances like this could become the standard rather than the exception in the months ahead.
Real Madrid now turn their focus to a pivotal Madrid derby, carrying momentum, belief, and a new attacking hero into the challenge.
