🔗 Share this article Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, including five starts. Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression. He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player following his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued 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 is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest. In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come. After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, including five starts. Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression. He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player following his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued 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 is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest. In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come. After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.