Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

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 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, 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 senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, 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 always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

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

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.