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

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

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

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development 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 have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day 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 greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

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 youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.