Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch
When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.
During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.
Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica
The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.
He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.
He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'
During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.
Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.
"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.
"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.
"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.
He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.
In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.
He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club chase future success.
After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.