Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch
When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.
In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.
Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise From The Academy
The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.
He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.
Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.
'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'
In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.
However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.
"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player following his debut.
"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.
Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand people are surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.
"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.
He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.
Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.
Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision 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 talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.
He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue trophies to come.
Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.
"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.
