The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

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 Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

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

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful 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, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Manchester.