Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes 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 second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled 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 several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants 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 total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.