Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.
During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica
The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.
He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'
During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during pre-season.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player following 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 his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.
"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.
"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.
He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.
Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.
Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."
This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.
He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.
After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.
"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.