Real Madrid teenage gem makes a positive impression on full debut vs Getafe | OneFootball

The result on Monday night against Getafe did not go the way Real Madrid wanted as they lost 0-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga.

It meant that Barcelona now hold a four-point lead over Alvaro Arbeloa’s men at the top of the table, dealing a critical blow to the Spanish capital club’s title hopes.

There were not many positives to take away for Los Blancos from the night, but one player managed to make a solid impression – young Thiago Pitarch.

Shining on full debut

Thiago, 18, has been in the first-team dynamics since the start of the season, initially under Xabi Alonso, and now with Arbeloa at the helm.

He made his senior debut as a substitute against Benfica last month and added another appearance from the bench against the same opposition a week later at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But, on Monday, he made his first-ever start for Real Madrid, capitalising on the absence of Eduardo Camavinga and left a positive impression.

At 18 years old, and 211 days, he became the second youngest Spanish player to start for the club this century and was not at all overawed by the occasion.

Thiago Pitarch impressed on his first start. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Thiago had to deal not only with the pressure of playing for Real Madrid but also with a Getafe side that stifled and embarrassed the hosts. Despite things not going his team’s way, he stood out.

In a first half that ended with a few whistles and no rhythm, there was applause for him from the Bernabeu crowd. He showed dynamism, stamina and personality.

He switched positions frequently, spending a great deal of time on the flank and played with his head up. He had a shot from the edge of the area, while he also almost managed to secure an assist to Vinicius Jr.

Thiago registered four recoveries and completed 42 of 47 passes. More than Arda Guler or Federico Valverde, at the time of his substitution, for context.

When he was taken off in the 55th minute, he was greeted with a standing ovation at the Bernabeu, while whistles were aimed at Arbeloa for the substitution.

It is no secret that Thiago is rated very highly at Real Madrid. Fans got a glimpse of his talent and potential on Monday night and it is only the start of his journey.