Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

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 promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

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

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted 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 rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.