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

When an teenage creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-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 qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

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

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

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

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

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

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

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

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

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.