Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

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

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

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

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. 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 Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great 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 club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

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

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.