Real Madrid teenager compares Bernabeu debut to ‘virtual reality glasses’

It was a night to remember at the Santiago Bernabeu for Thiago Pitarch, who made his second senior appearance for Real Madrid in a tense UEFA Champions League clash against SL Benfica, a match Los Blancos won 2-1.

For the 18-year-old midfielder, stepping onto the pitch at Europe’s biggest stage felt almost surreal. 

He came on the field in the 84th minute, replacing Gonzalo Garcia and speaking after the final whistle, Pitarch struggled to find words to fully capture the moment.

Felt like VR glasses

He admitted that the entire experience felt like nothing short of ‘virtual reality glasses.’

Expanding on that emotion, the youngster described the occasion as something he had only imagined before. “It’s a dream,” he noted.

He then continued by explaining how the situation felt almost artificial because of how quickly things have changed for him.

“It feels like you’re wearing virtual reality glasses,” he admitted.

Thiago Pitarch made his feelings known. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Perhaps the most touching part of his reaction came when he compared his childhood memories to his present reality.

“Not long ago, I was playing with them in ‘FIFA,’ and now I’m with them on the field.”

Those words perfectly captured the journey from academy hopeful to Champions League debutant at one of football’s most iconic stadiums.

Pitarch also took time to praise the work being done at Real Madrid’s academy. 

With several young players now earning chances in the first team, he believes the pathway is becoming clearer.

“The work of the youth academy is being reflected. We have to take advantage of the opportunities we are given. 

“It seems that we are doing well and we have to keep it up,” he added.

Source: Mundo Deportivo