Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch
Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.
In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.
At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent From The Academy
This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.
He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, 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 faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.
Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'
In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.
"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.
Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.
"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.
"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
A Future International Decision
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.
He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.
Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.
He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.
In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."
His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.
He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase future success.
Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.
"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.
