🔗 Share this article Why Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off 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 return to confirm a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark 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 rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression. He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career 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 each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player after his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at senior international level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success. After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off 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 return to confirm a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark 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 rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression. He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career 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 each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player after his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at senior international level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success. After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.