Why Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a key European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

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

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

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

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

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

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

"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 spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

He has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim 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 featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.