Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club history 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 team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 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.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention 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 technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country 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 binding once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.