The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago 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 the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player after his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, 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 is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

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

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Manchester.