Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent 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 promising protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label 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 team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player following his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

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

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

"I understand people are surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase future success.

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

"The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.