Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

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 protegees.

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

Pitarch 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 current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

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 retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final 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 pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Manchester.