Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match 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 Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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 brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

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

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

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

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made 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 bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.