Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior 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 confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up 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 go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

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

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

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

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.