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

When an teenage makes club history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.