Thiago Pitarch spoke with calm maturity after Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad, a result that sealed a dominant 5-1 aggregate triumph. Despite the pressure of the occasion, the young midfielder highlighted the team’s control, ambition, and belief throughout the night.
Madrid entered the second leg with a significant advantage, but Pitarch was clear that the approach was never about sitting back and protecting it.
“It was a match where we knew we had an advantage. But an early
goal could have complicated things, and we started well, thanks to Vini’s penalty. His goal made it difficult, but we handled it well and fortunately pulled it off.”
The early breakthrough from Vinicius Jr helped settle nerves, but Pitarch acknowledged the potential danger had City struck first. Instead, Madrid imposed themselves and managed the tie with authority.
That sense of control was paired with attacking intent — something Pitarch emphasized when discussing the team’s mentality going into the match:
“After all, we came here to win, not just to hold onto the result. It worked out well. We had quite a few chances, chances to miss in front of the goalkeeper. But I’m proud.”
It was a performance that reflected Madrid’s identity in Europe: pragmatic when needed, but always with an eye toward finishing the job decisively.
On a personal level, Pitarch continues to navigate his rise with a grounded perspective. He credited his family for helping him stay focused and true to his game:
“Yes, my family and I are taking it all in stride. They’re really encouraging me, telling me to play the way I know how, the way I do in training. I have to keep it up.”
Despite the magnitude of the stage and the expectations that come with wearing the Madrid shirt, the midfielder appears unfazed — choosing instead to embrace the experience with calm and gratitude:
“I try not to think about it too much, because it’s crazy. But I’m living very peacefully and happy to be at the best club in the world.”
