From Sevilla to Real Betis, the Blancos' first match of the year was full of expectations again: the win in the last December match didn't make all the doubts around the team disappear and looks like Xabi Alonso will have to prove the value of his work day by day. So, from Sevilla to Real Betis, the match on Sunday was supposed to be another hard one.

Honestly and unexpectedly, it was a quite easy match instead. Betis were surprisingly weak, unfocused and inconsistent and, in my opinion, Isco's absence played a fundamental role. Real Madrid not only won, but dominated and scored 5 goals! The absolute hero of the Madrid afternoon match was one of the Castilla boys, who stole the show and made us fans forget about Mbappé's injury, at least for one day.

Matchday 19: Focus on Gonzalo García

The world got to know Gonzalo during the Club World Cup last summer, but his performance at the Bernabéu, in front of more than 75,000 fans, was an absolutely amazing sign of maturity.

He scored a breathtaking hat-trick and during a post-match interview he himself couldn't decide which goal was the most beautiful one. One header, one right foot goal and one left foot goal. The boy has all the skills that a striker require to be nothing less than lethal. He moved on the pitch with confidence, not only attacking space and waiting for the ball in the box, but also helping the team by creating overload when needed and also providing crosses like the one that lead to a corner kick and Asencio's goal at minute 56.

Gonzalo showed great attitude and self confidence and his movements in the box just remind me of Benzema (hello nostalgia)... Well deserved standing ovation when he was subbed off at minute 88.
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Today's news is that Mbappé won't be available for the Spanish Supercup too, but honestly: who cares? As long as Gonzalo is in this top form, Mbappé can recover gradually. What a blessing this youngster is!

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Did you watch the match? Which player impressed you the most? Hit reply and let me know!

See you next Tuesday!

Marta