The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

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

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official full international.

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 yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.