The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

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

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

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

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved 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 clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated 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 any full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.