Real Madrid witnessed a special moment at the Santiago Bernabéu today as academy striker Gonzalo delivered a performance to remember, stepping up when his team needed him most. With Kylian Mbappé sidelined through injury and expected to miss several crucial fixtures in the coming weeks, the spotlight fell on the young forward and he did not disappoint.
Gonzalo scored a stunning hat-trick against Real Betis as Los Blancos cruised to a dominant 5-1 victory, marking his breakout moment in the first team in the La Liga. The display not only thrilled the home crowd but also underlined the club’s faith in its academy pathway under Xabi Alonso.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, the Real Madrid boss could not hide his admiration after the final whistle:
This was the dream game for Gonzalo, I’m so happy for him!
A hat-trick at the Bernabéu in his first season in the first team… Gonzalo is INCREDIBLE, and example for academy players.
Softfootball understands that Real Madrid have no intention of cashing in on Gonzalo during the winter transfer window. The club’s stance is similar regarding Franco Mastantuono, with both youngsters viewed as integral parts of the squad moving forward rather than assets to be sold.
With Mbappé out and a busy run of fixtures ahead, Gonzalo’s emergence could not have come at a better time. Performances like this may well earn him more opportunities in the coming weeks as Real Madrid look to maintain momentum on multiple fronts.
