Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes 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 Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player following his debut.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.