The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.
At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing 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 rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.
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 positive impact.
He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game 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 present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'
In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player after his debut.
"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."
Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.
The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.
"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.
"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.
"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.
He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.
Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.
Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.
In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.
Focus on the Future
At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding 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 quarter-final matchup with the German champions.
His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come.
After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.
"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.
