The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini 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 the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago 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 Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

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

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.