Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player following his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team 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 arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised 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 keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.