Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He 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 Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.