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

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, 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 senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

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

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

After his impressive impact to date 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 normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.