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

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. 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 was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue trophies to come.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the win at Manchester.