Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

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

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches 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 club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing 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 monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.