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

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-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 cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent 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 joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

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

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

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

"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.