Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.
At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.
He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.
Pitarch progressed 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 teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team.
In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.
Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.
"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.
Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.
"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.
"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.
"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.
He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.
Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.
In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."
This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.
For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying 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.
His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise 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 tipped to be a central figure in that.
"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.
