Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against 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 replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.

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

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have 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, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.