🔗 Share this article The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, including five starts. When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place. Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player following his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving chances 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 fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future." His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, including five starts. When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place. Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player following his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving chances 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 fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future." His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.