Gonzalo Garcia's hat-trick helps Real Madrid romp past Real Betis 5-1

Gonzalo Garcia bagged a hat-trick to propel Real Madrid past Real Betis 5-1 at home on Sunday, staying hot on the trail of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

The Spanish striker, filling in for the injured Kylian Mbappe, opened the scoring in the 20th minute, before blasting home a superb second goal early in the second half to give the hosts a commanding lead.

Raul Asencio further extended the home side's advantage, only to watch Cucho Hernandez pull one back for Manuel Pellegrini's visitors.

Madrid youth academy product Garcia completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute with a clever flicked finish, delighting the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, with Fran Garcia notching a late fifth goal.

Second-placed Madrid cut Barca's lead back down to four points after the champions edged Espanyol 2-0 in a Catalan derby on Saturday.

Madrid's victory eased the pressure on Xabi Alonso, who scraped through to 2026 at the helm, despite speculation that he was on the verge of being sacked after an inconsistent run of form.

With top scorer Mbappe sidelined due to a knee sprain, the coach turned to the 21-year-old forward Garcia to replace him, as he did during last summer's FIFA Club World Cup.

Garcia's opportunities have been limited this season, despite acquitting himself well in that tournament in the United States, and he proved himself again in this match.

"These were three very special goals, my first hat-trick here at the Bernabeu, my first goals this season as well," he told reporters, before admitting he still faces a fight for minutes.

"In front of me I obviously have the best players in the world, like Mbappe, Rodrygo (Goes), (Jude) Bellingham, Vinicius," he continued.

"I just focus on myself, which means working day by day and taking the opportunities the coach gives me, like today, and I hope I can deliver and help my teammates every minute I get."