Thiago Pitarch, from Donosti Cup to Champions League debut
The former tournament player made his first appearance in Europe’s top competition with Real Madrid
The Donosti Cup celebrates the progress of one of its former players. Thiago Pitarch, who played the 2021 tournament final with PA Team in the B14 category against Terres de l’Ebre, made his Champions League debut yesterday with Real Madrid’s first team.
Only five years ago, Pitarch was competing in San Sebastián, dreaming of reaching the elite. Today, at 19, he is playing minutes in Europe’s top competition, completing a meteoric rise from the youth ranks of La Fábrica to the first team.
His development has not been linear, but it has been steady. After progressing through Juvenil B, Juvenil A, and Castilla, Pitarch established himself as a modern midfielder: strong physical presence, excellent game reading, and ability to control the tempo. His transition from full-back and attacking midfielder to central midfielder allowed him to stand out in defensive intensity and pressing, qualities that caught the attention of Álvaro Arbeloa, his main mentor at Valdebebas.
Last year, Xabi Alonso also recognized his talent after Pitarch’s rapid rise in Castilla, even blocking a move to Benfica to make him a key piece in Madrid’s academy. This season, Pitarch has played 15 matches in Primera RFEF, exceeding 1,100 minutes, with one goal and two assists, leading the Castilla side in pressing and tactical organization.
Yesterday, at Estádio da Luz, Pitarch entered the field in the 94th minute, replacing Eduardo Camavinga, closing a circle: the same Portuguese stadium that could have been his home became the stage for his official Champions League debut. Despite the short time on the pitch, he left a positive impression in ball circulation and defensive tasks, proving why he is considered one of the most promising talents from the academy.
From San Sebastián to Europe’s elite, congratulations, Thiago.
