Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

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 Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on 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 very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

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

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

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to 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 understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.