Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.
In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.
At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica
This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.
He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out 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 Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'
In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player following his debut.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.
Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.
"He is a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I understand people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.
"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.
He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, 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.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."
This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.
Focus on the Future
For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.
He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team chase trophies to come.
Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, 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 excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.