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

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise 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 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager 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 clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.