Real Madrid Stars Shine Without Mbappe in Dominant Display Against Real Betis

Real Madrid began the new year with a commanding 5–1 triumph over Real Betis on Sunday afternoon, inflicting Manuel Pellegrini's squad's first road loss of the campaign.

Following a short holiday hiatus, the Spanish powerhouse faced pressure to resume domestic competition impressively, particularly considering their sharp form drop during the past two months. The task proved formidable without the sidelined Kylian Mbappé, yet Los Blancos produced one of their finest displays under Xabi Alonso.

An outstanding showing from Gonzalo García, who earned the start over the injured Frenchman, propelled Real Madrid to victory before an enthusiastic home audience. The forward's flawless hat-trick, combined with strikes from Raúl Asencio and Fran García, clinched all three points for the home side, maintaining pressure on league-leading Barcelona.

Alonso's squad will aim to duplicate their excellent La Liga showing in merely four days when they face Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semifinals.

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Real Betis (4-4-2)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Thibaut Courtois—7.7: Enjoyed an uncommon respite in the opening period before confronting a barrage of attempts from Real Betis. Could have performed better on Cucho Hernández's strike, though his backline again left him in an unfavorable situation.

RB: Federico Valverde—8.8: Not his preferred position, yet still earned Bernabéu applause with his two assists and defensive contributions, including a superb last-second challenge within his own penalty area to conclude the first half.

CB: Raúl Asencio—7.6: Festivities for his maiden goal in the white jersey were slightly subdued after his failure to handle Aitor Ruibal's threatening cross in transition, leading to the visitors' sole goal of the match.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger—7.0: Overshadowed and outperformed by Asencio, yet still managed to utilize his strength and tactical intelligence to restrict Real Betis' influence in the attacking third.

LB: Álvaro Carreras—7.5: Assisted Vinicius Jr along the left wing whenever possible and kept Antony quiet throughout the Brazilian's 88-minute appearance.

RM: Rodrygo—8.6: Endured early punishment but transformed the match with his dead-ball services. Now boasts five goal involvements in his previous four starts, performing sufficiently to keep Franco Mastantuono on the substitutes' bench.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga—7.6: A welcome return to the midfield. Offered steadiness alongside his compatriot and neutralized virtually all Real Betis counterattacks before they developed.

CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—7.7: A worrying injury concern in the opening half cast doubt, but the Frenchman persevered and produced another complete display in the center of the field.

LM: Jude Bellingham—8.2: An unstoppable presence with and without possession. Again generated the most opportunities, recorded the most tackles, and won the most challenges in the contest.

ST: Gonzalo García—9.6: Executed his duties flawlessly. Provided Real Madrid with a crucial aerial presence and netted his first La Liga goal—followed by his second and third—of his professional career.

ST: Vinicius Junior—7.6: Irrepressible. Tormented Ángel Ortiz, overwhelming the defender with his speed and ball control. A display reminiscent of pre-Mbappé arrival days.

Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Sergio Mestre (GK), Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, David Jiménez, Thiago Pitarch.

Real Betis (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Álvaro Valles; Ángel Ortiz, Marc Bartra, Natan, Ricardo Rodriguez; Marc Roca, Nelson Deossa; Antony, Pablo Fornals, Aitor Ruibal; Cucho Hernández.

Subs used: Héctor Bellerín, Giovani Lo Celso, Rodrigo Riquelme, Sergi Altimira, Pablo García.

Player of the Match: Gonzalo García (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid 5–1 Real Betis—How It Unfolded at the Bernabéu

Alonso's team showed abundant enthusiasm during the opening phases of their 2026 debut. Vinicius Jr spearheaded the attack along the left wing, weaving past Ángel Ortiz to generate several promising opportunities for Real Madrid.

The Brazilian star believed he earned his team a spot-kick merely six minutes into the encounter, but both the match official and VAR remained unconvinced by a clumsy tackle from Ortiz within the penalty area. The episode foreshadowed future events, and the Real Betis right-back received a yellow card in the 19th minute for another inadequate attempt to halt Vinicius Jr.

Rodrygo stepped up to the set piece and delivered a precise free kick that located Gonzalo García unmarked at the far post. The striker calmly nodded home the match's first goal, his inaugural La Liga strike.

Alonso and the mass of white-clad supporters at the Bernabéu encouraged their team to find a second before the interval, but the negative tendencies from the Carlo Ancelotti period resurfaced. Los Blancos retreated, permitting Real Betis extended possession periods and requiring defensive rescues from Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde to preserve the advantage.

The 15-time European titleholders compensated for their lackluster first-half conclusion just five minutes after the restart. Following space creation at the penalty area's edge, Gonzalo controlled an ambitious pass from Valverde with his chest before unleashing a spectacular right-footed volley to secure his double.

Celebrations had barely concluded before Real Madrid found the net again. Another flawless set-piece delivery—this time from the corner—by Rodrygo discovered Raúl Asencio, who directed a header into the goal to establish a 3–0 lead in the 56th minute.

Defensive duties became somewhat neglected for Real Madrid, presenting Real Betis the ideal transitional opportunity to potentially initiate a revival. A rapid counterattack concluded with Cucho Hernández evading Thibaut Courtois, who advanced from his line attempting to address the striker, providing his team hope just after the hour mark.

However, there remained no question about the star performer. Gonzalo completed his perfect treble with an audacious backheel finish, executed with his left foot to decisively secure all three points for Real Madrid. As if any uncertainty existed, Fran García added his own goal on the match's final touch.

Real Madrid vs. Real Betis Halftime Stats

Real Madrid vs. Real Betis Full Time Statistics