Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

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

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent 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 Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.