Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch
When an teenage creates club history in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.
In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica
This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.
Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.
Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'
In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.
Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.
"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."
Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.
"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.
He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.
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 La Roja reached the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.
Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.
Focus on the Future
For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.
After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.
"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.
