Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts 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 European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

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

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster 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 Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team 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 spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

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

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch 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 overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Manchester.