Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage 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 Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

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

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

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Given 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 kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

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

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, 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 locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, 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 sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.