The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden 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 made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match 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 present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.