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

Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

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

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving 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 locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.