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

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became 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 Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.