The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.