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

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition 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 Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

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

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

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

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.