The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

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

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

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

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

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

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth 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 haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.