Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

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

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

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest 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 appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.