Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

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

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

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

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.