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

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed 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.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment 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 clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player following his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

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

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

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

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.