The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During 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 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

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

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player after his debut.

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 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, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.