Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, 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 possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure 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 minutes on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.