The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through 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 and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, 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 energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.