Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had 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 overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team'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.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

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

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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 determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point 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've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete 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 was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.