Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

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 young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

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

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.