Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the world 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 next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

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

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding 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 under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying 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 tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date 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 attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.