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

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

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

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

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.