The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - 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 young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said 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 starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

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

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, 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 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.