🔗 Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, 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 energy, personality and determination he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition." Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level. According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international. He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue future success. After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.
The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, 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 energy, personality and determination he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition." Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level. According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international. He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue future success. After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the win at Manchester.