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

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

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

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

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

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

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

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.