Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first 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 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions 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 begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

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

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

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

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you go to train and every 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 his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

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

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.