Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

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

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against 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 the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.