Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg 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 head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place 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 inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.