Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player following his first appearance.

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle 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 Manchester.