The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-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 assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in 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 drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"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 every day you play a match," said the player after his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

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 same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.