The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica 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 football, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

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

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

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

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

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

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

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.