The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

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

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.