š Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven matches for the Spanish giants, including five starts. When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees. He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact. Pitarch progressed 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 Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player after his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him." A Future International Decision Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level. Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official full international. Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come. Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.
The teenager has featured in seven matches for the Spanish giants, including five starts. When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees. He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact. Pitarch progressed 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 Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player after his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him." A Future International Decision Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level. Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official full international. Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come. Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.