Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

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

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

Under international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.