Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

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

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From 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 promising protegees.

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

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

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

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.