Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch
When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured 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 few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica
The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.
He progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.
Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'
In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.
"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."
Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.
Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience.
"He is a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.
"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."
A Future International Decision
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.
He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international.
He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.
In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."
This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.
He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight 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 team chase trophies to come.
After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.
"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.
