The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

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

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention 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 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch 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 excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.