The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," said the player after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.

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

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, 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 two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.