WATCH: Gonzalo Garcia doubles up for Real Madrid

Real Madrid are on course to start 2026 with a victory, having gone 2-0 up against Real Betis at the Bernabeu.

Kylian Mbappe is not playing in this match due to a knee injury, but so far Real Madrid have not missed him. It was his replacement that broke the deadlock on 20 minutes, with Rodrygo Goes’ freekick headed home at the back post by Gonzalo Garcia.

It was a fine moment for the young striker as he scored his first La Liga goal, and another has now come. Five minutes into the second half, he has taken down Fede Valverde’s cross before unleashing an unstoppable volley from the edge of the box.

What a finish by Gonzalo García! 🔥

The Real Madrid forward doubles his tally with an excellent chest and volley 👏

𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 @sbk | 18+ | 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝐺𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑦 pic.twitter.com/0lPp7SpNOe

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 4, 2026

🚨🇪🇸 GONZALO GARCIA DOUBLES THE LEAD FOR REAL MADRID! WHAT A GOAL!

Real Madrid 2-0 Real Betis.pic.twitter.com/lztgd56gma

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) January 4, 2026

This match had the potential to be a banana skin for Real Madrid, given that Betis had not yet lost away from home this season. As things stand, that will change, with Los Blancos now having breathing space at the Bernabeu.