Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.