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

When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

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 youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time 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 Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.