Real Madrid Extend Lead as Atletico Slip in La Liga Title Race

India, Dec 05 : Real Madrid maintained their charge in the La Liga title race with a commanding 5-1 home victory over Real Betis, thanks to a brilliant hat trick from young striker Gonzalo Garcia. Garcia, starting in place of the injured Kylian Mbappe, opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a far post header and doubled the lead early in the second half with a crisp volley. Raul Asencio added a third before Cucho Hernandez pulled one back for Betis. Garcia completed his hat-trick with a clever back flick finish, and Fran Garcia capped the win in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid dropped crucial points after a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad, whose new coach Pellegrino Matarazzo made an immediate impact. Alexander Sorloth gave Atletico the lead in the 50th minute, but Takefusa Kubo’s assist allowed Goncalo Guedes to equalize five minutes later. Atletico now sits fourth, seven points behind Real Madrid and 11 behind Barcelona.

Elsewhere, Levante began Luis Castro’s coaching reign with a strong 3-0 away win over Sevilla. Iker Losada scored just before halftime, Carlos Espi added his first league goal in the 77th minute, and Carlos Alvarez sealed the victory in stoppage time.

In other results, Real Oviedo played out a 1-1 draw at Alaves after Federico Vinas gave them the lead, only for Lucas Boye to equalize with a stunning free-kick. Girona climbed out of the bottom three with a 2-1 win over Mallorca, with goals from Viktor Tsygankov and Vladyslav Vanat before Vedat Muriqi converted a late penalty for the hosts.