The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined 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 quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

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

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player after his debut.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, 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 complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make 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 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact 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 handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.