Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Confidence' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from 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 quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in 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 current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved 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 clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles 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 following the success at Manchester.