On an evening that seemed ordinary on paper, the unexpected happened at the Santiago Bernabéu. The absence of the team’s star striker opened the door to a completely different scenario, and the match quickly turned into a powerful message with implications far beyond the result of a single game.
Fans witnessed an exceptional performance, while the club’s management followed events with keen interest. Questions soon began to surface: Had a new solution emerged within the club’s walls? Had the balance shifted in a crucial position?
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As the minutes passed, the answer became clear.
Young Spanish striker Gonzalo García led Real Madrid to a resounding 5–1 victory over Real Betis in the 18th round of La Liga, in a match where Kylian Mbappé was absent due to injury. The youngster seized his opportunity to the fullest, scoring a hat-trick with decisive finishing and a remarkable ability to convert chances, stealing the spotlight on an unexpected night.
The win lifted Real Madrid to 45 points in second place, closing the gap to the league leaders, while Betis remained on 28 points.
The most memorable moment was not only on the pitch, but also in the presidential box. Florentino Pérez celebrated enthusiastically after the second goal, particularly as it came from a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. Sources close to the club confirmed the president’s admiration for the performance, viewing the player as an important prospect for the future.
Gonzalo’s display was no coincidence. His movement inside the box, aerial ability, and intelligent positioning made him a key figure throughout the match. This hat-trick, his first in La Liga, has opened the door to a more prominent role, especially if he continues to receive consistent opportunities.
Inside the club, the stance is clear: there is no intention to let the player leave. Florentino Pérez’s support has been decisive, reflected in sporting decisions—most notably keeping him while loaning out Endrick to gain experience. While the club also believes in the Brazilian striker’s potential, the management highly values the academy graduate’s qualities, which can be crucial in many matches, particularly given the demands of the season.
Gonzalo, for his part, has made no secret of his desire to succeed wearing a Real Madrid shirt. He recently renewed his contract until the summer of 2030 and prioritizes staying at the club, provided he receives sufficient playing time to continue his development.
The upcoming season will not be easy. The expected return of Endrick and the intense competition in attack present a major challenge for everyone involved. However, what happened against Betis suggests that Real Madrid may have uncovered an unexpected attacking weapon, one that could significantly reshape the outlook for next season.
