The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch
When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.
In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica
The midfielder 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 youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.
Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.
Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.
'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'
In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties 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 began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a starting debut in La Liga 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 Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.
"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."
The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.
"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
A Future International Decision
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.
He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.
He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.
Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."
This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.
Focus on the Future
At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.
He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.
After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.