The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 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 first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench 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, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against 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 the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.