The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager 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 Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing 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.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.