Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"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 Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.