Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

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

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

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

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.