Why Los Blancos Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

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

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became 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 each night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the best competition."

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

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

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"He will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

Under international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.