Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

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

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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 exciting young players.

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

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

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

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase future success.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.