BARCELONA, Spain — Young forward Gonzalo Garcia scored his first three La Liga goals in spectacular fashion on Sunday, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-1 victory over Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 21-year-old, starting in place of injured top scorer Kylian Mbappe, opened the scoring with a header in the 20th minute before adding a stunning volley early in the second half. He completed his hat trick in the 82nd minute with a clever back-heel finish, earning a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Goals from Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia completed Madrid’s most convincing win in a month, while Cucho Hernandez scored Betis’ lone goal.
Coach Xabi Alonso praised Garcia’s work ethic and attitude, calling him “a fantastic example” of a Real Madrid academy graduate.
The win keeps second-placed Madrid four points behind Barcelona, ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semifinals in Saudi Arabia, where they face Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
