The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during 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 second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation 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.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.