Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising 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 quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he added to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced 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 every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

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