The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.
During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica
The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.
He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster 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 label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch 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 Character'
During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.
However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut.
"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.
Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.
"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.
"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.
He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.
Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.
Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.
In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.
Eyes on the Prize
For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.
He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.
After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.
"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.
