The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a pivotal European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game 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 young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

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 Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, 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 trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

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

He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

After 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 same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.