Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent 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 joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, 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 any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.