Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time 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 late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

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

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.