Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made 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 senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.