🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place. Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. Rapid Ascent From The Academy 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 promising young players. He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. He progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January. Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance. "I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience. "He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, 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's a pleasure to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international. He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase future success. After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place. Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. Rapid Ascent From The Academy 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 promising young players. He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. He progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January. Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance. "I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience. "He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, 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's a pleasure to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international. He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase future success. After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.