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

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

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 Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

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

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.