Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid history in a key European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

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 Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

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

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.