Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

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

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced 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 "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica 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 started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.