Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes club history in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club'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

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster 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 "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 Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed 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 next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

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

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.