The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances 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 incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

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

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, 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 player like him."

A Future International Decision

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

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent both nations 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 appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.