Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have 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, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

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

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.