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

When an teenage creates club history in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago 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 the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and every day you have a game," said the player following his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level.

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

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

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

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.