The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Teenager Pitarch
Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.
In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.
At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.
A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy
This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.
He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.
Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.
Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.
'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'
During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.
"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut.
"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."
Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.
The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.
"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.
"Thiago will keep receiving 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 Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.
He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.
He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.
In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."
This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.
Eyes on the Prize
At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.
He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.
His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.
After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.
