The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

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

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player after his debut.

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

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

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

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

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

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

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 win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.