Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD 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 positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.

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

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.