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

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

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

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

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

"I understand people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great 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 Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

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

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.