The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against 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 took over from the previous coach 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, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment 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 Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Handed 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 retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz 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 rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.