Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

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

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out 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 senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get 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 grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

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

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

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

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.