Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.
In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.
At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica
This talent 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 protegees.
He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.
Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.
'His Best Attribute Is His Character'
In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.
"I've 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 have a game," said the player after his first appearance.
"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."
Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.
The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.
"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.
"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.
"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.
He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.
He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.
In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."
This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.
Focus on the Future
At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.
His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.
After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.
