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

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

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

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.