🔗 Share this article Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven matches for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old makes club history in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight. During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players. He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He progressed 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 drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season. Yet, 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 Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player after his debut. "I've just achieved my ambition with the best team 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 retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize 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. "He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, 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 monitoring his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.
The teenager has featured in seven matches for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old makes club history in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight. During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players. He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He progressed 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 drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season. Yet, 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 Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player after his debut. "I've just achieved my ambition with the best team 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 retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize 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. "He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, 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 monitoring his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.