The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each 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 following his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

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

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official full international.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for 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 played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club chase future success.

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

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.