The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a key European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

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

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

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

The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.