The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa'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 positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

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

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

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

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

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

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, 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 think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.