Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career 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 very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

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

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.