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

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

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

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye 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 skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

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

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.