The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.