The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

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

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

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

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

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

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.