The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil 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 cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in 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 current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut.

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago 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 fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.