Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

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 Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.