Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

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

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side 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 drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," 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 Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be surprised 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 opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country 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 competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Manchester.