Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place 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 his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for 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.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.