Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

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

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.