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

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a key European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

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 Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's 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 in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

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

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus 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 quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.