Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch
When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.
During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica
The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.
He joined 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 positive impact.
He worked his way up 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 took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.
Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'
During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this each 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," said the player following his debut.
"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.
"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.
"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, 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 either country at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.
Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for 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 keen attention.
In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."
This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.
He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.
His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.
Following 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 deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.
