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

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

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

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports 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 Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded 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 led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

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

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.