Real Madrid opened their year at the Santiago Bernabéu with a dramatic and incident-filled victory over Real Betis, a match defined as much by controversy as by a breakout performance from Gonzalo García.
Coming off a solid home win against Sevilla, Madrid entered the night dealing with adversity. Kylian Mbappé was ruled out through injury, while Dean Huijsen was only a doubt. There was, however, a boost as Dani Carvajal returned to the squad. Tactical intrigue surrounded Xabi Alonso’s selection, with a clear rotation emerging: Rodrygo started, while Arda Güler was left on the bench, and Gonzalo was handed a rare start up front.
The officiating quickly became a central storyline. The referee, long viewed as unfavorable to Madrid, delivered another controversial performance. A potential early penalty on Vinícius Júnior went uncalled, setting the tone for a frustrating night of decisions. Rodrygo was on the receiving end of a rough foul with no card shown, followed shortly by another clear foul that again brought no whistle.
Despite the officiating, Madrid dominated possession from the opening whistle. In the 14th minute, a slick move involving Jude Bellingham, Vinícius, and Álvaro Carreras nearly opened the scoring. Two minutes later, Rodrygo tested the goalkeeper with a sharp shot on target, signaling Madrid’s growing control.
The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute. Rodrygo delivered a dangerous free kick into the area, and Gonzalo reacted quickest, finishing confidently to give Madrid a deserved lead. The Bernabéu responded with relief and belief.
After halftime, Gonzalo struck again. In the 50th minute, he received the ball just outside the box and unleashed a precise finish to double Madrid’s advantage. The moment underlined his composure and growing influence in Mbappé’s absence.
Madrid continued to press, and from a corner kick, Raúl Asencio rose highest to score his first-ever goal for the club, a milestone moment that further energized the home crowd.
Betis pulled one back in the 65th minute, briefly threatening a comeback, but Madrid remained composed. The final word belonged to Gonzalo. In the 82nd minute, Arda Güler—introduced off the bench—slipped a perfectly weighted assist into his path. Gonzalo finished clinically to complete his hat trick and seal the match.
On a night marked by questionable refereeing and tactical experimentation, Real Madrid found clarity through performance. Gonzalo’s three goals, Rodrygo’s creativity, and Alonso’s evolving rotation offered plenty of positives as Los Blancos begin the new year with momentum—and a new attacking hero emerging under the Bernabéu lights.
