Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

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

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, 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 the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.