Alonso Backs Vinicius After Bernabeu Whistles in Betis Rout

Real Madrid opened 2026 with authority as they swept aside Real Betis 5-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, a night that mixed goals, emerging talent, and a pointed show of support from Xabi Alonso for Vinicius Junior after sections of the crowd jeered the winger.

Madrid were dominant from the outset despite the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe, with Gonzalo Garcia announcing himself in spectacular fashion through a hat trick, supported by further strikes from Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia to keep the title race firmly alive.

Garcia’s treble was the headline act, but the evening also carried a subplot. Vinicius, lively early on and heavily involved in Madrid’s buildup, was whistled by parts of the home support as his influence waned and he was substituted in the second half.

The result kept Los Blancos within four points of Barcelona and closed the first half of the La Liga season on 45 points, a total that underlines Madrid’s consistency and leaves little margin for error heading into a congested stretch of fixtures.

The Bernabeu atmosphere was buoyant from kickoff, with Madrid pressing high and circulating the ball quickly through midfield. Vinicius was central to that early rhythm, repeatedly attacking down the left and forcing Betis into defensive adjustments as pressure mounted.

The opening phase saw Betis struggle to cope with Madrid’s tempo. Vinicius drew an early booking for right back Hector Ortiz, a moment Alonso later highlighted as evidence of the Brazilian’s threat, even as his end product did not follow.

The breakthrough set the tone for the night, and Madrid’s goals arrived with increasing confidence. Garcia’s movement in the box proved decisive, while the supporting cast ensured Betis had no route back once the contest slipped away from them.

Madrid continued to create after the interval, although missed chances and a slight drop in intensity allowed Betis fleeting moments of possession. Tactical rotations from Alonso kept the structure intact, even as individual performances came under scrutiny.

The late stages brought little danger to Madrid’s control, but attention shifted to Vinicius’ substitution and the reaction it drew. Alonso addressed that directly afterward, stressing the winger’s importance and defending his overall contribution.

Vinicius is now on a 15 match scoreless run stretching back to early October, yet Alonso made clear that the numbers do not tell the full story. He praised the winger’s work rate, early impact, and ability to destabilize opponents, insisting he will be fundamental in the weeks ahead.

For Garcia, the night marked a personal milestone. In his first season with the senior side, the 21 year old delivered a hat trick at the Bernabeu, strengthening his case as Mbappe’s natural stand in and embodying the academy pathway Madrid continue to value.

Madrid now turn their focus to the Super Cup semi final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday, with a potential final against Barcelona or Athletic Club looming. The Betis win provided momentum, clarity, and a reminder that even amid criticism, Alonso’s Madrid remain firmly aligned around their key players and objectives.