Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media 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 drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

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

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.