🔗 Share this article The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact. He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player after his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected 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 coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match. He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight. Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "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 echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue future success. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact. He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player after his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected 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 coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match. He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight. Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "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 echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue future success. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.