Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

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 protegees.

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting 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 Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, 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 set up the clash with Manchester City.

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

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - 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 Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

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

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.