Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

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 Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico 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 friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, 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 Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

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

"I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my final decision so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

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

Following 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 identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.