The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates club history in a crucial European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return 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 knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, 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 set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.

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

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

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

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.