Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 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 worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

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

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.