The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-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 assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager'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 academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

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

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

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.