Real Madrid stayed close to FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga after a convincing 5–1 home win over Real Betis, powered by a hat-trick from young striker Gonzalo Garcia. The result keeps Madrid firmly in the title chase as the season tightens.

Garcia started in place of the injured Kylian Mbappe and immediately delivered. He opened the scoring with a far-post header in the 20th minute and doubled the advantage with a clean volley shortly after halftime.

Raul Asencio made it 3–0 with an unmarked header before Cucho Hernandez pulled one back for Betis. Garcia completed his hat-trick with a clever back-flick, and Fran Garcia added a fifth goal in stoppage time to cap the rout.

Title race intensifies after Gonzalo Garcia hat-trick

Atletico Madrid lost ground after a 1–1 draw at home to Real Sociedad, where new coach Pellegrino Matarazzo made his debut. Alexander Sorloth put Atletico ahead early in the second half, but Takefusa Kubo set up Goncalo Guedes for a quick equalizer.

Atletico now sits fourth in the standings, seven points behind Real Madrid and 11 adrift of leaders Barcelona. The result increases pressure as the title race enters a decisive stretch.

Key victories elsewhere as Gonzalo Garcia hat-trick highlights round

Levante enjoyed a strong start under new coach Luis Castro, winning 3–0 away to Sevilla. Iker Losada scored just before halftime, Carlos Espi added a second late on, and Carlos Alvarez finished the job in stoppage time.

Real Oviedo drew 1–1 away to Alaves after Federico Vinas scored but missed a chance to double the lead. Lucas Boye equalized with a powerful free kick midway through the second half.

Girona climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2–1 win over Mallorca. Viktor Tsygankov and Vladyslav Vanat struck before Vedat Muriqi converted a late penalty for the hosts.