1 week ago
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Real Madrid kept the pressure on Barcelona with a commanding 5-1 win over Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu, powered by a first La Liga hat-trick from Gonzalo Garcia.
The victory made it three league wins in a row for Real Madrid and cut the gap to the leaders to four points.
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Xabi Alonso’s side started at a relentless tempo and penned Betis deep inside their own half from the opening exchanges.
Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde repeatedly stretched the visitors, forcing Betis into a defensive shell almost immediately.
The breakthrough arrived after 20 minutes when Gonzalo Garcia rose highest to meet Rodrygo’s free-kick and head in his first league goal for the club.
The goal reflected Real Madrid’s dominance, with Betis struggling to string together any sustained possession.
Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni dictated the rhythm in midfield as the hosts circulated the ball patiently.
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Despite controlling the game, Madrid were unable to add to their lead before the interval, prompting some frustration around the stadium at half-time.
Any doubts were erased early in the second half through a moment of individual brilliance from Gonzalo Garcia.
The 21-year-old controlled Valverde’s lofted pass on his chest before swivelling and volleying into the corner to double the advantage.
Real Madrid tightened their grip on the contest minutes later when Raul Asencio headed home unmarked from a corner to make it 3-0.
Betis briefly threatened a response as Giovani Lo Celso struck the post from a free-kick.
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Cucho Hernandez then pulled a goal back after rounding Thibaut Courtois to offer the visitors a flicker of hope.
That hope was short-lived as Real Madrid remained composed and continued to create chances.
Rodrigo Riquelme went close for Betis with an effort that hit the woodwork, but Madrid always looked capable of scoring again.
The decisive moment arrived when Gonzalo Garcia completed his hat-trick with an audacious backheel from close range.
The goal capped a standout performance from the forward, who was leading the line in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid added further gloss in stoppage time when Fran Garcia finished from Valverde’s cross.
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The result extended Madrid’s strong recent record against Betis in the Spanish capital.
It was another frustrating afternoon for Manuel Pellegrini at a ground where he has yet to taste victory as an opposing manager.
Betis remain sixth in the table after only their second defeat in eight league matches.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, move forward with renewed confidence as the title race begins to tighten.
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