Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago 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 Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced 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 replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti 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 belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

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

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

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful 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 fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.