The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected 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 excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.