Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

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

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.