The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch
When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the 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 assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.
Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica
The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.
He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.
Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached 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 the new year.
Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'
In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.
"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."
Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.
"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.
"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.
He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.
Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.
Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.
"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.