Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

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

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.