Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Confidence' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during 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 present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated the player after his debut.

"I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He is a very quick player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose Spain, Diaz decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

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 two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.