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

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.