Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final place.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

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

He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

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

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team chase future success.

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

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.