The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.

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

A Meteoric Rise 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 young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring 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 friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

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

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

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

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.