đź”— Share this article The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven games for Real Madrid, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth. Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players. He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance. "I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game. "He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon." His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Eyes on the Prize At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come. 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 deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.
The teenager has featured in seven games for Real Madrid, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth. Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players. He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance. "I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game. "He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon." His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Eyes on the Prize At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come. 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 deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.