Why Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch 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 youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment 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 Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

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

Pitarch 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 Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

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

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.