The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch
When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.
In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.
Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy
The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.
He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.
Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.
Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'
During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.
Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.
"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."
The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.
"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.
"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.
He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.
He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.
In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."
This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.
He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.
His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.
Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.
