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

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg 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's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

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

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream 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 several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

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

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.