The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch 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 had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He 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 Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.