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

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

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

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player after his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

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

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. 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 was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any 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 positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding 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 last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.