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

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

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

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

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.