Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the 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 Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

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

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "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 confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

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

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