Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

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 vitality, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

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

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

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played over an hour 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 another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.