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

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent 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 Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

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

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team 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 reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.