Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

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

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut 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 taken it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick 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 manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies 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 senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.