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

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

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

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

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 the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have 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've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

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

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.