Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

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

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

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

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

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.