The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created 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 managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, 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 Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said the player following his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, 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 total trust in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to 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 competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

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

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.