Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

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

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side 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 football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch 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 spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is 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 personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

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

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.