Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid history in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

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

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

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

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster 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 describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.

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, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

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

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with 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 win at Etihad Stadium.