Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with 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 reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

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

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

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

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

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

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.