🔗 Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, featuring five starts. When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place. 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 previous mark by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From The Academy This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players. He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye 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 he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. 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, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match. He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark 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 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success. After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected 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 too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, featuring five starts. When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place. 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 previous mark by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From The Academy This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players. He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye 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 he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. 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, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match. He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark 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 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success. After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected 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 too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.