Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.
In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.
Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
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 young players.
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 under-19 side, where he quickly made 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 senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.
Spanish media 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 energy, character and determination he brought to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'
In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."
Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.
The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.
"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and movement."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.
"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be surprised to see 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.
"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.
He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.
He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 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 not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.
In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."
His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.
Focus on the Future
At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.
He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.
He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase future success.
Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.