The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from CD 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 progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

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

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, 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 made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

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

Focus on the Future

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

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

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.