The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers 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 Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles 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.