Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch
When an teenage creates club history in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.
During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.
At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record 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 the manager's most exciting protegees.
He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.
Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'
In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut.
"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."
Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.
Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.
"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.
"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
A Future International Decision
Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.
He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.
Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.
In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."
This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent 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 over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.
Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.
