Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.