Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden 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 made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.