The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-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 cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

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

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

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.