Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage makes club history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition 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 spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.