The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a key European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had 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 Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

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

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

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

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

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats 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 pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.