The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting 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 Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager 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 meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

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

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue future success.

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

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.