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

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

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

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

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 energy, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added 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 Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

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

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.