The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise 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 protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.