The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season.

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've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

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

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.