The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From The Academy

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

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut 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 following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," added he. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

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

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I must deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.