The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch
When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.
In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter 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
This talent is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.
He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.
He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.
Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.
'His Best Attribute Is His Character'
During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on 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 when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.
"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."
Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.
The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.
"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.
"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.
"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.
"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.
He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.
Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.
Despite this, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.
In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.
He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.
His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase future success.
After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.
"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.
