Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label 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 team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

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

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute 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 very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept 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 belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

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