Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.