Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

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

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.