The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage creates club 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 appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 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 cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

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

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

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

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.