Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

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

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media 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, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

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

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. 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 talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, 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 Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.