The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates club history in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in 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 each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated the player following his first appearance.

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

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

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.