The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

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

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg 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 Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

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

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.