The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior 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 quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player after 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 Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses 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 multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

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

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.