The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a teenage makes club history in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.
In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise From The Academy
The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.
He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.
He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'
During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.
The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.
"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.
"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.
"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.
He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.
In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."
This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.
Focus on the Future
At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.
He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.
His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.
Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.
