Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch
When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.
During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise From The Academy
The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, 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 pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster 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," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'
In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.
However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.
"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.
Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.
"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."
The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I understand people are surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.
"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
A Future International Decision
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.
He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.
Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.
He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.
Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."
His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.
Focus on the Future
At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.
He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come.
Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.
"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.
