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

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

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

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

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

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.