The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club history in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

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

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

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

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties 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 have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

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

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

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start 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 opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful 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, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.