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

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a pivotal European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch 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'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize people are surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

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

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

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

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.