Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

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

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment 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 Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either 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 so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.