The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.
During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
Rapid Ascent From The Academy
This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.
He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.
Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the team.
'His Best Attribute Is His Character'
During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his debut.
"I've 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 his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.
"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.
"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.
"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.
"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent 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 joining the club's famous youth academy.
He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.
Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."
His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.
He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase future success.
Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.
