The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, 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 describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice 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 set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and experience.

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

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent 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, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue 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 identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.