Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports 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 brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development 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 each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

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

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.