The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

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

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

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

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

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

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

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.