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

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.