Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster 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," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream 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 several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

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

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

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

He has featured 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.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, 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 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.