The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only 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 last-16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

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

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have 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 Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision soon."

This scenario echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Diaz decided 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 two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he said after the win at Manchester.