The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

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

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to 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 haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase future success.

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

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.