Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

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

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

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

Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I understand people are surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, 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 have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.