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

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

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

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.