Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate 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 people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Manchester.