Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent 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 CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team 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 drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player after his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons 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 seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.

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

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