The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given 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 place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

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

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

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

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.