The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

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

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

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