La Liga Roundup: Joan García Shines In Barcelona Catalan Derby Win As Gonzalo Hits Hat Trick In Madrid’s Rout Of Betis

‎La Liga returned from the winter break with a weekend full of intensity, late drama, individual brilliance, and several results that could shape the direction of the season.

‎From a fiercely contested Catalan derby to a breakout hat trick in Madrid and new-manager impacts elsewhere, Spanish football delivered across every stadium.

‎Barcelona Edge Fiery Catalan Derby as Joan García Steals the Show

‎Barcelona extended their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Espanyol in a heated Catalan derby that tested the league leaders more than the final scoreline suggests.

‎All eyes were on goalkeeper Joan García, who returned to RCDE Stadium for the first time since leaving Espanyol for their fiercest rivals.

‎The reception was predictably hostile, with jeers, banners showing a rat in Barcelona colours, and even a protective mesh installed behind the goal to prevent objects being thrown from the stands.

‎“The first thing I have to do is thank Joan García,” Flick said.

‎“He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We suffered, but we took the three points and that is the message we send to La Liga.“

‎ “I think he will not forget what he lived here, because he played for Espanyol and they gave him his opportunity. Now he plays for us, and he was one of the reasons for the win.”

‎Despite the pressure, García delivered one of his finest performances of the season. Espanyol created several clear chances across the first hour, with Pere Milla and Roberto Fernández forcing the goalkeeper into multiple stops.

‎His standout moment arrived in the 39th minute when he reacted brilliantly to tip Milla’s point-blank header over the bar with one hand, a save that kept Barcelona level and shifted momentum.

‎The breakthrough finally came late in the game. Fermín López entered from the bench and transformed the match, assisting Dani Olmo in the 86th minute and Robert Lewandowski in the 90th.

‎Barcelona had struggled to create clear openings until then, but their late precision ensured they emerged from the derby with three points and a seven-point lead over Real Madrid heading into Sunday.

‎Gonzalo García’s Hat Trick Powers Real Madrid to Dominant Win

‎Real Madrid responded emphatically to Barcelona’s derby victory with a 5-1 demolition of Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu, a match dominated by a sensational hat trick from 21-year-old Gonzalo García.

‎Starting in place of the injured Kylian Mbappé, the young forward delivered his breakout performance in La Liga and showed why Xabi Alonso has gradually been increasing his minutes this season.

‎García opened the scoring in the 20th minute, losing his marker at the far post to head in a well-placed free kick from Rodrygo.

‎His second goal, ten minutes after halftime, was a demonstration of technique and composure as he controlled a pass with his chest and volleyed powerfully into the corner from the edge of the area.

‎Madrid’s third came from Raúl Asencio, who nodded in a Rodrygo corner before Betis temporarily reduced the deficit through Cucho Hernández.

‎The evening belonged to García, though, and he completed his hat trick in the 82nd minute with an instinctive flick of his heel to finish an Arda Guler pass. The Bernabéu rose as one as he left the pitch moments later.

‎The victory brought Madrid back within four points of Barcelona and came at the perfect moment ahead of their Spanish Super Cup trip to Saudi Arabia, where they face Atlético Madrid in the semifinal.

‎Villarreal Strengthen Hold on Third with Confident Win at Elche

‎Villarreal continued their excellent domestic form with a controlled 3-1 victory away at Elche, a match shaped by early pressure and clinical finishing. Alberto Moleiro and Georges Mikautadze struck in the opening stages to give Villarreal immediate control, allowing them to dictate tempo through midfield and limit Elche to hopeful long-range efforts.

‎Alfonso Pedraza added a late goal to restore their two-goal cushion and ensure Villarreal kept pace with the league’s top two, staying seven points behind Real Madrid with two games in hand.

‎Getafe Grab Last-Minute Equaliser Against Rayo Vallecano

‎The weekend began with late drama as Getafe rescued a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Friday night.

‎Rayo took the lead seconds before halftime when David Soria failed to hold on to Jorge de Frutos’ tight-angle volley, gifting the hosts an advantage they protected for most of the second half. Getafe pushed but found little joy until the 90th minute, when Mauro Arambarri met a pinpoint cross from Luis Milla to head home and end their four-game winless run.

‎The result kept Getafe in 10th place and left Rayo frustrated after coming so close to their first league win since October.

‎Levante shocks Sevilla in Luis Castro’s Debut

‎One of the most dramatic results of the round arrived in Seville, where Levante stunned the home side with a 3-0 victory in Luis Castro’s first match as manager.

‎Sevilla dominated long spells and created several late chances, including a penalty that could have shifted momentum.

‎But Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan delivered a decisive double stop, first denying the penalty and then blocking the rebound.

‎With Sevilla pushing numbers forward, Levante struck again in stoppage time to secure a result that lifted them off the bottom of the table and breathed life into their survival hopes.

‎Real Sociedad Impress Under Pellegrino Matarazzo

‎Real Sociedad also enjoyed a positive managerial debut under new American coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, earning a valuable 1-1 draw against fourth-placed Atlético Madrid.

‎Alexander Sørloth opened the scoring for Atlético against his former club, finishing a well-worked move with composure. Sociedad responded quickly through Gonçalo Guedes, whose equaliser boosted a side in need of confidence after a difficult run.

‎The energetic performance under Matarazzo hinted at a more dynamic approach and showed immediate signs of progress.

‎Relegation Battle Tightens as Girona Rise and Oviedo Slip

‎The fight at the bottom of La Liga tightened further with Girona’s 2-1 win away at Mallorca, a result that lifted them out of the relegation zone and continued their recent improvement in form.

‎Real Oviedo, meanwhile, slipped to the bottom of the table after a 1-1 draw against Alavés, a result that left them frustrated after failing to convert late chances.