Why Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch
Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.
In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica
The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out 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 pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'
In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.
However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.
"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.
"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.
He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.
Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.
Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."
His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.
He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph 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 aid the club chase trophies to come.
After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.
