The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch
When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.
In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago 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 Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.
At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica
This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.
He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe 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 in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.
Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'
During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.
Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties 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 began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player after his debut.
"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."
Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.
The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.
"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.
He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.
Despite this, 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 ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."
This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.
After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.