The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition 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 Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.