Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners 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 month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise 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 exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.