The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

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

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances 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 excellent stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 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.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Manchester.