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

When an teenage creates club history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

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

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

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

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

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

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.