Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder 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 CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in 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 current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

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

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

After 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 deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.