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

Source: BBC March 19, 2026 08:27 UTC