The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

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

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved 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 was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised 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 opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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 ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 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 aid the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.