The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through 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 promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

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

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention 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 the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club chase future success.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.