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

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

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

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

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

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player 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 the local game, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

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

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 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.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date 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 naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.