The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica
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 exciting protegees.
He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.
Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against 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 replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.
Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'
In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.
However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."
Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.
The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.
"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and movement."
The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.
"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 start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.
"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."
A Future International Decision
Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.
He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level.
Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."
His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.
After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.
"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.