Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.
In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured 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 cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight 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 star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica
The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.
He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.
Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'
During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.
Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.
Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.
"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game.
"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.
He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.
Under international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.
Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."
This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.
He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.
Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.
"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.