The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.