Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European tie against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 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 substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return 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, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players.

He joined Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate 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 doesn't feel it.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great 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 Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.