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

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.