Why Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

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

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

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

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

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my minutes on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.