The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.
During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica
The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.
He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.
Pitarch 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 Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.
Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the team.
'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'
During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day 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 have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving 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 performances that have defied his age and inexperience.
"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.
"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.
"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.
He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.
He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."
This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.
He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.
His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team chase trophies to come.
After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.
"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.
