Gonzalo Garcia scores a hat-trick as Real Madrid hammer Real Betis 5-1 to stay within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona
GONZALO Garcia scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid thrashed Real Betis 5-1 to keep pace with La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The 21-year-old striker, starting in place of the injured Kylian Mbappe, opened the scoring with a header after 20 minutes.
Garcia volleyed home a superb second early in the second half to give Madrid a commanding lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Raul Asencio headed in a third before Cucho Hernandez pulled a goal back for the visitors.
Garcia completed his treble with a clever flicked finish after 82 minutes, with Fran Garcia adding a late fifth.
The victory cut Barcelona’s lead at the top back to four points after the champions beat Espanyol on Saturday.
It also eased pressure on coach Xabi Alonso after a run of inconsistent form.
“These were three very special goals, my first hat-trick here at the Bernabeu, my first goals this season as well,” Garcia told reporters.
He acknowledged the competition for places, stating he must focus on taking his opportunities.
Madrid started strongly and deservedly led through Garcia’s looping header from a Rodrygo free-kick.
Betis improved before the break but failed to test goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Garcia’s excellent second came after he controlled a long ball on his chest before volleying home.
Academy graduate Asencio nodded in the third before Betis briefly threatened a comeback.
Hernandez scored for Betis after rounding Courtois, but Garcia’s clever finish sealed his hat-trick.
Fran Garcia completed the rout with virtually the last kick of the game.
“It was a tough game for us, one to forget,” said Betis midfielder Marc Roca.
Real Madrid next face Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals in Saudi Arabia.
