Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

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

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

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

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He 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 coached by Arbeloa, 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 describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

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

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent 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 Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.