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

Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was 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 most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player following his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

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

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

"I understand people are surprised 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 keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

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

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

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, 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 either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.

Following 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 same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.