The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

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

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

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

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was during 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 took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

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

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.