Real Madrid collide with Benfica in the Champions League playoff and Alvaro Arbeloa's side are out for revenge. A 4-2 loss to the Portuguese giants on the final matchday of the league phase denied the La Liga giants an automatic qualification spot.
Jose Mourinho has already highlighted how "dangerous" Madrid will be as they lick their wounds from the defeat last month. He comes up against his former employers yet again and is eager to eliminate them and make history.
Madrid have never failed to make the knockout rounds of the Champions League and it seems implausible they don't reach the last 16. A star-studded team is set to line up for Arbeloa at the Estadio da Luz but his men could have been facing one of their most exciting youngsters.
Real Madrid star nearly joined Benfica
Madrid will be without Rodrygo and Raul Asencio (both suspended) for the clash with Benfica tonight. Rodrygo's ban was upgraded to two games due to dissent meaning he will also miss the second leg at the Bernabeu on February 25th.
There isn't any chance of Thiago Pitarch appearing in Portugal tonight despite his incredible performances at youth level. He looks set to become a superstar talent for Los Blancos but he is still in the early stages of his development.
According to Diario AS (via Madrid Xtra), Pitarch was close to joining Benfica in 2023. He would have entered their academy if not for Madrid stepping in with "one phone call" and sealing the teenager's signing.
There is a ton of hype growing over Pitarch as he stars for Castilla. Arbeloa knows the player well from managing the youth side before taking over the senior team as caretaker manager.
Pitarch catching the eye
Pitarch starred in a 5-2 win over French side Marseille in the UEFA Youth League earlier this month. The 18-year-old Spanish midfielder looks the real deal but had he made the move to Benfica he may well already be playing Champions League football.
The Portuguese heavyweights have a track record of leaning on youth and helping them grow as a member of the first-team. That was how they handled Joao Felix's ascent to superstardom before he faltered after joining Atletico Madrid.
Pitarch will be eager to make the step up to Los Blancos' senior setup sooner rather than later. The La Liga giants might be keen to be patient but his talent is undeniable.