Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his debut.

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

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

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

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.