The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage makes club history in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute 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 very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following 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 the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

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

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.