Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-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 play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

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

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up 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 each day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. 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 grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

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

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.