Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said the player following his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for 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 featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.