The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

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

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.