The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster 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 tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

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

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

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

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

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

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.