The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

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

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with displays 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 is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

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

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.