Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

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 joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph 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 team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.