The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, 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 faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became 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 Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

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

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention 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 the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.