The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

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

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

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.