Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

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

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.