Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a key European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.