Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

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

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe 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 added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach 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, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain 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, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.