Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

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

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

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

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

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

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.