Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From 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 signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," said the player after his first appearance.

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

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

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring 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'll make a decision 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 represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.