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

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder 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 and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club 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 Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities 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 grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

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

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.