Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had 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 Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

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

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers 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.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

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

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.