Why Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

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

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

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see 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 opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent 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 two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.