Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club history in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said the player after his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

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

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

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

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark 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 five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.