Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch
When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.
During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica
The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.
He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'
During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.
However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player after his first appearance.
"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.
The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.
"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.
"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.
"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.
He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.
Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.
In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."
His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.
Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.
