When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention 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 stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

While Sunderland were reported to have made an ambitious approach to sign him, he was described as "the jewel of the academy".

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, 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 Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.