The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club 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 second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

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

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, 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 during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I've just achieved my dream 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 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 provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

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

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

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 La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

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

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.