The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes club history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off 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 Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut 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 opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase future success.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.