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

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise 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 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 Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed 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.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - 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 Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, 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's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

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 played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles 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 success at Manchester.