Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - 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 Bernabeu.

The teenager, 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 champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent 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 protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries 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, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

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

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.