Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - 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 had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager 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, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

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

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

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

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

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

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue future success.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.