Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

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

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side 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 current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player 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, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

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

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark 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 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.