Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates club history in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws 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 claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

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 the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment 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 each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player after his debut.

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 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 not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.