Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

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

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe 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 determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

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

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent 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 the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.