The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, 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 label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties 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 football, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch 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 keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

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

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached 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, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.

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

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.