The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-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 Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, 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 minutes on the field," he said after the win at Manchester.