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

Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter 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 From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

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

He worked his way up 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 replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my dream 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 moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to have 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 Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.