🔗 Share this article Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven games for Real Madrid, including five starts. Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees. He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico 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 in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Is His Personality' During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment 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've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get 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 Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level. Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international. Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase future success. Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.
The teenager has featured in seven games for Real Madrid, including five starts. Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees. He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico 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 in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Is His Personality' During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment 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've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get 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 Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level. Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international. Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase future success. Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.