The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

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

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

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

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

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

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet 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 Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.