Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

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 Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

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

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.