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

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

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, 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 second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system 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 and Getafe youth teams, 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 friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is 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 in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved 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 spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are 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.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

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

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Manchester.