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

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

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

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

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

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

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

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Manchester.