Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach 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 vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Manchester.