Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for 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 strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. 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 the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.