The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch
Whenever a teenage creates club history in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.
In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.
At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
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 young players.
He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.
He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.
Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'
During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player after his debut.
"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.
Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience.
"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.
"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, 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 have a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy.
He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.
According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.
He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.
Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."
His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.
He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase future success.
After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.
"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.