Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success.

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

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.