The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

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

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

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

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.