Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage 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 Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached 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 describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting 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," stated the player after his debut.

"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 his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

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

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

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

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder 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 must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.