🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, including five starts. When an teenage creates club history in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-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 Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players. He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's 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 during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." A Future International Decision Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match. He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest. In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue future success. Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.
The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, including five starts. When an teenage creates club history in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-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 Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players. He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's 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 during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." A Future International Decision Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match. He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest. In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue future success. Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.