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

When an teenage makes club history in a key European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

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

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He 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 teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Manchester.