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

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager 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," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

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

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

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

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

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes 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 Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Manchester.