Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

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

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

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

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

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

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, 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 played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and every 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 best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided 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 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.