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

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge 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 previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made 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 academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

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 surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, 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 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date 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 attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.