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

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from 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 progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster 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 label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to 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 go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

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

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.