Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

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

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began 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 achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 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 either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.