Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he added 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 playing time during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers 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.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.