Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

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

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

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

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.