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

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

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

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.