The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

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

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

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

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

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.