Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place.

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

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

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

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.