The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

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

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

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

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.