Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

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

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said the player after his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.