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

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player following his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I understand fans might be astonished 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 continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to 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, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.