Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see 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.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

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

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.