Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

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

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes 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 fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.