The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final place.

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

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have 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 the player after his debut.

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

Handed 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 following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.