Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during 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 took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

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

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

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

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue future success.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch 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 excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.