The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage makes club history in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago 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 helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

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

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.