Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

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

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.