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

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil 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 assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

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

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

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase future success.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.