Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

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

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring 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 youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on 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 began playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

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