The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real 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 Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, 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 in 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 took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

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

Given a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.