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

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

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

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

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced 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 Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

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

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

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

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain 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 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 have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

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

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.