The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during 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 led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has taken 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 is incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.