The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in 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 current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.