According to Diario AS, Real Madrid academy prospect Tiago Pitacci seized his opportunity during the league break with a series of outstanding performances, showcasing dominant play for both Real Madrid Castilla and the Spanish youth national team. First-team coach José Mourinho plans to recall him to the senior squad once the break concludes.
Two steps forward, one step back—or sometimes the reverse. This concept is not new to Tiago Pitacci, and he has once again used this strategy to advance. Previously, his opportunities with the first team were limited. He hadn't played for 73 days, and since being cleared for competitive play, he hadn't received a single minute on the field. But the international break arrived, and with it came opportunities. Ironically, a door closed even as another opened—he did not receive a call-up to the Spanish U21 national team, which redirected his path. The Real Madrid first team had no matches for three weeks, but Real Madrid Castilla did. That was the turning point, the beginning of a new plan. Tiago capitalized on it fully.
The club explained the situation and reached an agreement with Mourinho. Once the Portuguese coach approved, everyone fell in line. Everything was discussed and agreed upon by all parties. Rather than spending three weeks at Valdebebas trying to regain his rhythm, it was decided that this integration would happen on the pitch. And that's exactly what transpired. In the match against Sant Andreu (1-1), despite lacking match fitness, he provided an assist to Yáñez. The Alcorcón match showed Real Madrid Castilla's struggles as they lacked intensity (1-2). Another step forward came next: an emergency call-up to the Spanish U20 national team, where he started and scored with his left foot from outside the box, putting Spain ahead 2-0 against Mexico. Then came the Atlético Madrid B match—not a minor fixture, but a genuine derby.
This is precisely why he played only 45 minutes in the youth national team friendly. Everything was arranged with Paco Gallardo and Real Madrid through the club's strong relationship with the Spanish Football Federation. The plan was for him to start at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, and he did. Far from suffering from travel fatigue, he delivered an extremely impressive performance. He covered vast areas of the pitch, frequently appearing in the opponent's half. It was a spectacular display that had everything except a goal, though he constantly sought scoring opportunities. Whether making defensive recoveries or driving forward, he performed flawlessly, playing more like an attacking midfielder than a pure central midfielder. He was everywhere.
"A spectacular performance," his coach summarized: "He proved what kind of player he is. But he hasn't just proven it today; he's been proving it for a long time in the Primera Federación and the Champions League. We must commend Tiago for returning with such enthusiasm, despite having barely trained and dealing with injuries during his first-team preseason. He came back with the same hunger I saw when I coached the B-team or worked in youth leagues. This kid played a physically demanding match, controlling many areas of the pitch. Just looking at the distance he covered, it was a spectacular performance."
López-De Lerma added: "I've known Tiago since my first year here. He is very self-motivated. I know I don't need to ask anything more of him. Although he came down from the first team to play, which might have caused some psychological discomfort, I didn't need to push or motivate him further. I knew he would play this match as if it were his last. Working with Tiago is straightforward. I know his effort and competitive drive will always be there. That said, playing for Real Madrid's first team is never easy. But he has proven his ability and potential. If we see him succeed at the top level, we'll be very happy for him."
This continued the role he showed with the Spanish youth national team in Majadahonda—a more advanced position, a Tiago with greater command and presence. As usually happens when he wears the red jersey (he was the leading assist provider at the U19 European Championship, which Spain won) or the Real Madrid Castilla shirt: closer to goal, more incisive. The latest example is this derby. Even in less-than-ideal circumstances, he showed character for Real Madrid Castilla. He wanted the ball. If Mourinho needs him after the break, he is ready. In the Atlético Madrid B match, he made his final statement.
Having witnessed his brilliant performance against their biggest rivals from the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium stands, Mourinho intends to bring Tiago back. To reintegrate him into the first team after this extended break. The scouting reports Mourinho received when he first arrived at Real Madrid proved accurate—reports that prompted him to ask the youngster to stay (a move to Fulham was nearly completed, but the Portuguese coach stopped it). Mourinho had little opportunity to verify this assessment initially (Pitacci suffered a knee injury in his first training session). He had no chance after Pitacci's return either (he was named in squads for matches against Inter Milan, Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Atlético Madrid but didn't play). But now he has seen it. He has witnessed that when given opportunity and trust, this young player is a game-changer. He possesses not only tireless legs but also a sharp edge. Whether in Real Madrid Castilla or the national team. Sometimes the best moments come from improvised plans. And Tiago is making the most of his.
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