Sun Jan 04 14:30:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

Real Madrid defeated Real Betis 1-0 in a La Liga match at the Estadio Bernabeu. The lone goal came from a Gonzalo Garcia header off a Rodrygo free-kick in the first half. Real Madrid dominated early proceedings but struggled to convert chances, while Real Betis defended resolutely. The match was also marked by a yellow card for Real Betis’ Angel Ortiz for a foul on Vinicius Junior.

News Article:

Garcia Header Seals Narrow Victory for Real Madrid Against Real Betis

Madrid, Spain – A first-half header from Gonzalo Garcia secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over Real Betis at the Estadio Bernabeu on Saturday. The 21-year-old Garcia, starting in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe, rose highest to meet a Rodrygo free-kick, nodding the ball past Real Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles.

Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso making four changes from their previous match, controlled much of the early play. Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior were particularly lively on the wings, causing problems for the Real Betis defence. However, despite several attempts, including shots from Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, they struggled to find the target.

Real Betis, unchanged from their previous victory, defended stubbornly, with Angel Ortiz receiving a yellow card for a foul on Vinicius Junior. They rarely threatened Courtois in the Real Madrid goal.

The victory allows Real Madrid to close the gap on league leaders Barcelona to four points. The match was preceded by a minute’s silence for the victims of the recent Swiss bar fire.

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