In Round 18 of the 2025–26 La Liga season, Real Madrid hosted Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu and delivered a commanding 5–1 victory, getting the new year off to a flying start.
Despite the absence of superstar Kylian Mbappé due to injury, Madrid showed no signs of disruption. Instead, a breakout performance from a young attacker powered one of their most entertaining displays of the season.
Mbappé Absent, Alonso Makes a Bold Call
With Mbappé unavailable, head coach Xabi Alonso faced a selection dilemma before kickoff. At a crucial moment, he opted to hand a chance to 21-year-old striker Gonzalo García, who had spent much of the season on the bench.
The decision was met with skepticism among many Madrid fans. Before this match, García had yet to score in any competition this season, and questions lingered over his form and readiness.
Gonzalo García’s Hat-Trick Lights Up the Bernabéu
That doubt was quickly swept away. In the first half, Rodrygo delivered a pinpoint set-piece into the box, where Gonzalo García rose at the far post to head the ball into the corner and open the scoring.
Shortly after the break, García produced a textbook first touch to bring the ball under control before unleashing a stunning volley to double Madrid’s lead. The Bernabéu erupted in applause, yet the night’s defining moment was still to come.
Backheel Brilliance: A Goal of the Season Contender
In the 82nd minute, Arda Güler slid a low cross across the penalty area. With lightning-fast improvisation, Gonzalo García flicked the ball into the net with a sensational backheel finish.
It was a goal of rare imagination and quality, one that the Bernabéu had not witnessed in some time, and it instantly entered the conversation for La Liga’s goal of the season.
As the hat-trick was completed, Alonso punched the air in celebration on the touchline. This emphatic win not only eased the pressure on the coach but also appeared to change the course of García’s career.
One Night to Remember, A Career Rewritten?
Seizing his opportunity in Mbappé’s absence, Gonzalo García emphatically proved his worth with three goals. On a memorable night, he became Alonso’s unlikely hero and set two personal milestones: his first-ever goal at the Bernabéu and his first hat-trick for Real Madrid at home.
After the victory, Madrid moved to 45 points with 14 wins, 3 draws, and 2 defeats, remaining second in the table, still four points behind leaders Barcelona.
Spanish Super Cup: More Chances on the Horizon
With confidence soaring and form peaking, expectations are growing that Gonzalo García can carry this momentum into the upcoming Spanish Super Cup. If he continues to deliver, he may yet complete the transformation from “impact substitute” to genuine “difference-maker,” and help Real Madrid lift another trophy.
