Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise 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 Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent 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 signed for Madrid from CD 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.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut 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 chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for 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 played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

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

Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.