The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through 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 young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

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

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

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

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

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

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

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

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

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

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

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Manchester.