Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise 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 Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

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

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.