Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

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

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid 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.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.