Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

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

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season 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 turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given 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 retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished 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 keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

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

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

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

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Manchester.