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

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch 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 club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated the player following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. 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 deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.