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

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be 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 opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, 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 permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.