Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

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

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.