The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached 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 label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

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

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.