Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a key European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts 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 claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

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

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his coach.

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, 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, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.