Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side 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 current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each 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," said the player after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.