Historic Debut
On March 11, 2026, in Madrid, Spain, Thiago Pitarch made his first Champions League start for Real Madrid against Manchester City. At just 18 years old, he became the youngest Spanish player to start in a Champions League knockout game, surpassing the record set by Raúl in 1996.
The match concluded with a decisive 3-0 victory for Real Madrid, with Fede Valverde scoring a remarkable hat-trick. This performance not only highlighted Valverde’s skills but also set the stage for Pitarch’s impressive debut.
Support and Recognition
Following the match, Pitarch expressed his gratitude towards Álvaro Arbeloa, who had provided him with confidence and support throughout his development. “I will always be grateful because he has given me all his trust. I also always try to repay it,” said Pitarch.
Thierry Henry, the former football star, praised Pitarch’s performance, stating, “I want to talk about… I don’t know how to pronounce his name, Pitarch. Because I watched him closely tonight. What a game! He was all over the place.” Such recognition from a football legend underscores the significance of Pitarch’s debut.
Looking Ahead
Despite the victory, Pitarch remained grounded, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “They were very happy… but nothing, we’re not getting too confident, we still have the other match in Manchester,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus for the upcoming fixtures.
Thiago Pitarch, who previously played for Real Madrid Castilla, has now firmly established himself within the first team. His journey from the youth leagues, where he worked closely with Arbeloa, to making a mark in one of the most prestigious tournaments in football is a testament to his talent and hard work.
As Real Madrid prepares for the second leg against Manchester City, the football world will be watching closely to see how Thiago Pitarch continues to develop and contribute to the team’s success.