The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch
When an 18-year-old makes club history in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.
In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.
At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy
This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.
He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.
Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the team.
'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'
During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.
"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next 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 see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.
"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.
"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have 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 local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.
He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official senior international match.
He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.
In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make 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. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.
Focus on the Future
For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.
He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed 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 younger players to aid the club chase future success.
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 handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.
