Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed 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 the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform 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?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.