The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

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

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

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

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

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

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for 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 over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.