The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point 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 before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see 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 first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

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

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

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.