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

When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club 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 return to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

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 under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, 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 the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"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 every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his debut.

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

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

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.