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

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent 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 Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded 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 each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.

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

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

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

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

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.