Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch
When an 18-year-old makes club history in a key Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.
During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 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 Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight berth.
Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.
A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy
This talent is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.
He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression.
Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.
Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.
'His Best Attribute Is His Character'
In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I started playing the game, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance.
"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."
Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.
The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."
The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.
"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.
"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.
"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.
He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international.
Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.
In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."
His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.
Focus on the Future
At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.
He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.
Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.
"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.
