The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place.

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

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet 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 Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, 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 win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.