Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a key European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

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

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

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

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," 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's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

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

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

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.