š Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five starts. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth. At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level. Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue future success. Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five starts. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth. At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level. Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue future success. Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.