The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

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

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.