Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.