The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed 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 describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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 two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.