Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch
When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.
At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy
This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.
He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager 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 Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'
In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.
"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.
"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.
"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.
He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding 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 under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.
In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."
His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.
Focus on the Future
At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.
He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.
After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.
"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.
