Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He 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 managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

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

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

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

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder 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 think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.