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

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"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 his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision 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 talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.