Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

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

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

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

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.