The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.