Why Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced 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, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice 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 Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player 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."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, 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 five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come.

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

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