The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

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

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago 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 confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition 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 kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

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

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.