🔗 Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, featuring five starts. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing 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 initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Character' In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his debut. "I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach. "His standout trait is his character," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international. He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue trophies to come. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, featuring five starts. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing 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 initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Character' In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his debut. "I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach. "His standout trait is his character," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent both nations at the highest level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international. He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue trophies to come. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.