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

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder 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 qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

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

He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent 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 joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may represent multiple nations 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 U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.