The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

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

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

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

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

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

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

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

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 same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.