Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso 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 determination he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

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

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent 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 the club's famous youth academy.

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

According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to 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 have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase future success.

After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.