Real Madrid kicked off 2026 with a statement victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, dismantling a lackluster Real Betis 5-1.
Despite the high-profile absence of the injured Kylian Mbappé, Xabi Alonso’s squad delivered their most fluid attacking performance in recent months.
The story of the night was undoubtedly reserve striker Gonzalo García, who seized his rare start to net a stunning hat-trick, ensuring the title race remains alive after La Liga’s winter break.
Thibaut Courtois (7/10): The Belgian giant was his usual reliable self, producing several top-tier saves during the first half when Betis threatened to equalize. While he was perhaps a bit too aggressive in rushing off his line for the lone Betis goal, his presence was vital in keeping the visitors at bay during their brief periods of pressure.
Federico Valverde (7/10): Operating with his signature high-octane energy on the right flank, Valverde provided a consistent outlet for the attack. His defensive tracking was diligent, and he was rewarded for his industry with a well-earned assist, proving once again why he is the engine of this team.
Raúl Asencio (6/10): It was a bittersweet afternoon for the academy graduate. He experienced the euphoria of scoring a lovely goal to continue the youth-led narrative of the match, but he was also at fault for the Betis consolation goal, completely losing track of his marker during a lapse in concentration.
Antonio Rüdiger (7/10): Rüdiger looked significantly more composed than in previous outings. He anchored the backline with authority and showcased his vision by playing a brilliant long ball that initiated the sequence for Madrid’s fourth goal, successfully neutralizing the threat of the Betis attackers.
Álvaro Carreras (7/10): Though he faced a few difficult moments dealing with Antony’s trickery, Carreras remained steadfast. He is clearly developing a strong telepathic connection with Vinícius Jr down the left wing, providing the necessary overlapping runs to stretch the Betis defense.
Aurélien Tchouaméni (7/10): The Frenchman was the bedrock of the midfield, recording more completed passes than any other player on the pitch. He sat deep, allowing the more creative players to roam, and effectively snuffed out any Betis attempts to counter through the middle.
Eduardo Camavinga (7/10): Continuing his excellent run of form, Camavinga was a whirlwind of activity. He was tenacious in the tackle and kept the ball moving with quick, sharp passes. His ability to transition play from defense to attack was a key component of Madrid’s dominance.
Jude Bellingham (8/10): Bellingham was everywhere, putting in a quintessential box-to-box shift. He won nearly all of his defensive duels and was a constant threat when surging into the final third, driving the team forward and dictating the tempo of the game with elite maturity.
Rodrygo (8/10): While it was a relatively quiet game for the Brazilian compared to his recent explosive form, he remained productive. He registered two assists, including the pinpoint delivery for the opening goal, proving that even on a “quiet” day, he is a vital creative force.
Gonzalo García (9/10): The undisputed Man of the Match. Replacing Mbappé is no easy feat, but García did so with a spectacular hat-trick. From a clinical header to a sublime volley from distance, he was a persistent thorn in the side of the Betis defense, effectively ending the game as a contest.
Vinícius Jr (7/10): With Mbappé out, Vinícius enjoyed having more space to manipulate on the left wing. He tormented the Betis full-backs throughout the afternoon and was desperately unlucky not to score himself after several dazzling solo runs in the first half.
Manager & Notable Subs
Xabi Alonso (8/10): The manager will be thrilled with how his side responded to the pressure. His faith in the academy players paid off handsomely, and his tactical setup ensured that the absence of his star forward didn’t hamper the team’s offensive rhythm.
Arda Güler (7/10): Despite only coming on as a substitute, Güler made his presence felt almost immediately. He provided a clever assist for García’s third goal, showing the technical quality that makes him such a highly-rated prospect.
Fran García (N/A): Although he entered late, he made a definitive impact by ghosting into the box to score the fifth and final goal, putting the finishing touches on a dominant Real Madrid performance.