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

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil 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 substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

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

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against 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 the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons 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 opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

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

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

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

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

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

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles 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 said following the win at Manchester.