Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a key European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said the player after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

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

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.