The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

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

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced 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 very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

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

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes 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 Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.