Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws 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 secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

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

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

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, 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 complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase future success.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.