Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil 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 cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement 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 started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

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

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.