The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through 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 the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

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

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

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

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

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase future success.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.