Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed 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 few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

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

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder 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 have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.