Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment 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 club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, 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 assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, 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 academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, 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 "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

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

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.