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

When an teenage creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

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

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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 represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.