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

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

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

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game 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 January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - 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 created an opening.

Pitarch 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," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.