The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch
When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.
In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica
This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.
He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.
Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.
Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.
'His Best Attribute Is His Character'
During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during 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 Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.
"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.
Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and experience.
"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."
The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, 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 his normal game.
"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned youth academy.
He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.
Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."
His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.
He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.
After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.
"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.
