Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

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

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. 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 holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part 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, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.