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

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player after his debut.

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

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 next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand 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 chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.