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

Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

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

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

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

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

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