The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed 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 teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

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

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.