The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch
Whenever a teenage makes club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.
In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place.
At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record 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 quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.
He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, 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 friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'
During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.
Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.
"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.
"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."
The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"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 perform what he usually does.
"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."
A Future International Decision
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.
He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.
Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.
Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."
His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.
He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.
His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase future success.
Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.
"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.