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

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

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

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

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

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided 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 featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.