Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

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

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

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

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

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

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

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

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz 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 repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.