The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

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

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached 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.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world 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 place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.