🔗 Share this article The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting 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. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January. Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance. "I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager. "His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I realize 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. "He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level. According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase future success. After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting 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. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January. Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance. "I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager. "His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I realize 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. "He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level. According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase future success. After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.