The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates club history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

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

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

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 young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

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

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

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 both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped 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 too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.