Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

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

The young player, who also had his Real 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 last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

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

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager 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 each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

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

"I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.