Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, 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 the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, 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've dreamed of this every 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 the player after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

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

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.