Why Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team'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.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, 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.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.