The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

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

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development 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 each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

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

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

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

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

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

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder 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 think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.