The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 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 strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.