Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil 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 Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.