The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club history in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 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 overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

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

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.