The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

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

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 Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player after his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

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

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain 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, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.