The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage 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 Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

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

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.