Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished 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'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 was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.