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

Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

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

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid 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 during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

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

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent 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 opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

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.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.