Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced 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 replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side 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 began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent 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 opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform 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 Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch 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 La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

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 sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Manchester.