Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system 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 formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties 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 football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

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

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.