The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed 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 cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player after his first appearance.

"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 was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, 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 rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

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

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue future success.

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

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.