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

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system 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's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player following his first appearance.

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

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.

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

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

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

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

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club pursue future success.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.