The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating 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 famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons 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 opening.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

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

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

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

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.