The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage creates club history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage 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 second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

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

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

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 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 not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.