Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.
In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.
At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica
The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.
He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.
He progressed 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 teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.
Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side.
'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'
In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.
The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience.
"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.
"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.
He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.
Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."
His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.
He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.
Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.
