🔗 Share this article The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five starts. When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached 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 the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Is His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance. "I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands 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 total trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come. Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five starts. When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached 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 the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Is His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance. "I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands 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 total trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come. Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.