Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

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

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, 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 label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.